There has been a surge in the number of dog attacks on postal workers in Swindon and Wiltshire and owners are being advised to keep their pets secure.
Between July 2023 and July 2024, 40 dog attack incidents were reported by postal workers in the SN postcode area.
This is the first time the SN postcode has been within the top ten locations for the highest number of dog attacks, with the number increasing by 60 per cent year-on-year from 2022/23 to 2023/24, including Swindon, Chippenham, Calne, Corsham, Devizes, Malmesbury, Melksham and Pewsey.
PC Paul Croft, from Wiltshire Police’s dog handling unit, said: “Wiltshire Police advise dog owners to apply caution and ensure their dogs are under control at all times to prevent the risk of an incident of this nature.
"Dog attacks can have significant, long-term health and emotional impacts on victims.
“Wiltshire Police take reports of dog attacks seriously, and offer the following advice to dog owners.
"Think before you open the door to a delivery, and take an extra moment to secure your dog in another room of the house, in a crate, or behind a stair gate, before opening the front door.
"Take note of the time your delivery is scheduled for and ensure your dog is not left alone in the garden if that is an access point for delivery workers to your front door.”
A spokesperson from Royal Mail Group said: “Dog attacks have a devastating effect on our people, and we are appealing to dog owners to think twice when the postperson calls.
"All dog attacks can have life-changing consequences for victims, even when the physical injury is not significant.
“Almost half of attacks happen at the front door and over a quarter in the front garden, so this is not just a Royal Mail issue, many other organisations face the same problem.
"Please keep your dog in another room before answering the door and make sure children don’t open the door, as dogs can push by them and attack.”
More information about dog attacks reported by Royal Mail employees and advice from Royal Mail Group can be found on their website.
Members of the public who see a dog loose are advised to report it online to police and if the dog appears to be out of control, they should contact 101.