Royal Mail worker explains what mysterious ‘P’ on letters really means

Dog owners have been left worried after noticing mail arriving through their letterbox marked with a “P”.

While some householders have been attempting to decipher its meaning, others have expressed fears it could signal something more troubling, potentially endangering their pets.

A concerned Reddit user commented: “It’s what thieves use to mark your house to let others know you have expensive dogs.”

In contrast, another tried to lighten the mood, quipping: “Very subtle Wordle clue – takes five days then you just rearrange them. Never right.”

Yet there’s genuinely no need for concern as it bears no connection to criminal behaviour and certainly isn’t your postman’s method of expressing disapproval.

The “P” is in fact an essential indicator that assists your postal worker in performing their role correctly and productively, guaranteeing all your packages reach you on time.

Clarifying matters, a postal worker on Reddit informed users the “P” merely helps them and their team monitor when parcels are expected.

They said: “You had a packet/parcel. Stops us from forgetting about it!”

Corroborating this account, 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 pets’ safety, the RSPCA has provided advice on how to protect cats and dogs from theft. A spokesperson 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.