'They deserve to feel safe': Lancashire Police and postal workers to work together to tackle dog attacks

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https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news ... ks-5483991

Lancashire Police and postal workers have officially agreed to work together to help tackle dog attacks with the latter profession suffering thousands of such attacks each year.

Lancashire Police and the Communications Workers Union (CWU) have signed a new agreement aimed at improving the response to dog attacks on postal workers and ensuring those on the frontline can carry out their duties safely.

The new guidance, developed jointly by the Constabulary and the CWU, sets out clear expectations for how postal workers should report dog‑related incidents and how the police will respond.

It also provides practical advice for workers who face dangerous situations while delivering mail and outlines how information about potentially dangerous dogs can be shared to help protect both postal workers and the wider community.

Dog attacks remain a significant concern for postal workers, with around 2,600 incidents reported nationally each year, some resulting in life‑changing injuries.

Postal workers are uniquely placed to identify risks within neighbourhoods, and the new agreement formalises how this information can be communicated to police to help prevent further harm.

Welcoming the news, Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said: “Postal workers are out in our communities every day and deserve to feel safe while doing their jobs. Dog attacks can have a devastating impact, and it is vital that those affected know exactly what support they can expect and how the police will respond.

"This agreement ensures postal workers have clear guidance, timely support and a consistent police response so they can carry out their duties safely and with confidence.

"By working with delivery organisations and listening to the experiences of postal workers, we can reduce the risk of harm, improve confidence in the police response, and make sure that those responsible for dangerous dogs are held to account. This is an important step in keeping people safe across Lancashire.”