Suffolk towns see increase on dog attacks on posties

Royal Mail released the statistics for the start of the annual Dog Awareness Week, with some postal workers suffering permanent and disabling injuries from the attacks. 

In Suffolk dog attacks were up 12.5% in IP postcodes, with NR postcodes in the county also seeing an increase.

Nationally there were 2,197 dog attacks on Royal Mail staff in the year up to June 30, up 2% on the previous reporting period, with 74 incidences causing serious and significant injury. 

The area with the highest risk location in Suffolk was Bury St Edmunds, which saw 10 attacks in the year to June 30.

Bury also had more attacks then any locations in Norfolk.

Royal Mail is appealing to dog owners to ensure they understand the often devastating impacts of attacks, and for them to take suitable measures to ensure their pets are not a threat.

Ipswich saw the second highest number of recorded incidents, with six cases, and Felixstowe and Stowmarket having two cases. 

The Royal Mail has a postcard to owners can display to help. (Image: Royal Mail) Across the country 403 of the injuries were through letterboxes, with a High Court ruling in 2020 stating owners can be prosecuted if their pets cause injury to a delivery person. 

Lizz Lloyd, health and safety director at Royal Mail, said: “Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers.

“In many cases, these incidents result in serious injuries, emotional distress, and time away from work. Royal Mail continues to call on the public to be vigilant and responsible by securing their pets before opening the door to receive mail or packages.

“We continue to invest in safety training and awareness campaigns for both employees and the public but emphasise that community cooperation is essential to reducing these incidents.”