Dog owners have been fearing the worst after their Royal Mail post arrived with the letter 'P' scribbled across it. As many concerned homeowners theorised what it could stand for, others shared their concerns about it being connected to something sinister, which could put their pets in harm's way.
One Reddit user fretted: "It's what thieves use to mark your house to let others know you have expensive dogs." While another tried to lighten the mood by saying: "Very subtle Wordle clue - takes five days then you just rearrange them. Never right."
But it turns out there's nothing to fear as it has nothing to do with criminal markings and is is not a postal worker's attempt to make their ill feelings towards you known.
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In fact, the 'P' is an important signifier allowing your postal worker to do their job correctly and efficiently, making sure you get all your deliveries on time, the Mirror reports.
Clearing up the entire situation, a postal worker on Reddit told users that the ‘P’ just helps them and their fellow postal workers track when there are parcels coming.
They said: "You had a packet/parcel. Stops us from forgetting about it!"
Echoing their message, 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 those concerned about their pet's safety, the RSPCA has shared advice on how owners can protect their cats and dogs from theft.
A statement reads: "It's heartbreaking 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
- Don't leave your dog on their own in the garden
- Get your dog microchipped
- It's 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.
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