Dog owners were left anxious after spotting a mysterious “P” marked on letters, with some fearing it could signal thieves targeting pets – but postal workers have explained the meaning
Dog owners have been left feeling worried after discovering post arriving through their letterboxes marked with a “P”. While some householders have been attempting to decipher what this might signify, others have expressed fears it could be something more menacing, potentially endangering their pets.
One concerned Reddit user shared: “It’s what thieves use to mark your house to let others know you have expensive dogs.” Meanwhile, another attempted to lighten the mood with some wit, quipping: “Very subtle Wordle clue – takes five days then you just rearrange them. Never right.”
Nevertheless, there’s genuinely no reason for worry as it’s entirely unconnected to criminal behaviour and isn’t your postman’s method of showing they’ve taken against you.
The “P” is actually a crucial indicator that assists your postal worker in performing their job correctly and effectively, guaranteeing all your deliveries turn up on time.
Clarifying the matter, a postal worker on Reddit informed users the “P” simply assists them and their workmates in monitoring when parcels are expected.
They said: “You had a packet/parcel. Stops us from forgetting about it!”
Backing up this clarification, another postal worker added: “It’s the postie’s way of reminding themselves that when they come to post your letter there’s also a parcel for you.
“That’s so they don’t post your letter then find out halfway down the street they forgot to knock and give you your parcel.
“Or sometimes they’ll write P10 or something on the previous letter – that lets them know they have a parcel for next door (number 10) but no letter.”
For pet owners concerned about their beloved animals’ safety, the RSPCA has provided advice on how to protect cats and dogs from thieves.
A spokesman stated: “It’s heart-breaking when a loved family pet is stolen.
“If there have been reports of pets being stolen in your area, our advice would be don’t panic, but it is wise to be extra careful.”
What you can do to help reduce the risk of your pet being stolen:
- Never leave your dog outside a shop on their own
- Train your dog to come back when called
- Do not leave your dog on their own in the garden
- Get your dog microchipped
- It is vital to keep your contact details up-to-date
- Keep recent photographs
- Take care when choosing someone to care for your dog
- Neuter your pet
- Put a collar and tag on your pet
For more information about preventing pet thefts, visit the RSPCA’s website.
