Swindon is one of the most dangerous places in Wiltshire to deliver post, new figures show.

Statistics released by the Royal Mail show that Swindon postal workers reported six dog attacks last year (2016/17) – making the town one of the most dangerous places in the SN postcode area to deliver post.

The town came joint top with Chippenham. Last year in Swindon’s SN1, SN3 and SN6 postcodes there were a total of six reported dog attacks. In Chippenham (SN14) there were also six reported attacks.

Royal Mail’s Robert Kelly, who is responsible for postal workers’ health and safety from Hull to Swindon, said that there had been a rise in attacks across England.

“We’ve seen a huge growth in online shopping,” he said. “We are delivering a lot more parcels. There have been a lot more attacks from where the door has been opened and the dog has jumped up.”

In the past, postal workers suffered nipped fingers from dogs attacking the post as it came through the letter box. But now, Robert said, some postal workers were being left with bites to their arms, necks and even their faces.

“The range of injuries suffered can be quite vast: from puncture wounds to something that requires plastic surgery,” Robert said. He estimated that 10 per cent of attacks led to postal workers taking time off work.

Postal workers have now been “strongly advised” not to take dog treats out with them on their rounds, Robert said.

Statistics from across the SN postcode area, which stretches from Devizes to Faringdon, show that the number of dog attacks on postal workers has averaged at almost 29 a year over the last five years. Between 2012/13 and 2016/17 attacks fell by 15 per cent – from 33 to 28 attacks last year.

Dr Shaun Davis, Royal Mail group global director of safety, health, well-being and sustainability, said: “Nationally, there have been around 14,500 attacks on our postman and woman over the last five years, with over 2,400 this year alone.

“Our postmen and women need to be able to deliver the service they provide to communities across the UK, without the risk of injury.”

Royal Mail are leading National Dog Awareness Week, which runs until July 8. Organisations and charities nationwide are urging dog owners to keep their dog in a safe and secure place, preventing them from attacking postal workers.

They also recommend fitting a wire mesh around the letter box or installing out post box outside your front door.

The penalties for allowing or enabling your dog to attack postal workers can include losing the dog, being banned from owning a dog, paying compensation or even being sent to prison.

National Dog Awareness Week lasts until July 8. For more, visit: www.royalmail.com/personal/dog-awareness.