Latvian Post urges customers to keep mailboxes in order

Latvian Post is urging its customers to ensure their mailboxes are in good shape and their dogs are under control in order to help mail carriers carry out their work. It is warning residents that if mail carriers are impeded from delivering the mail, under the law they have the right to refuse delivery.

The message is being particularly targeted at Latvian Post customers who have subscribed to regular newspaper or magazine deliveries.

After a three-month campaign to promote the convenience of receiving periodicals through the mail ended in late December, the Post has seen a 4% increase in subscriptions this year compared to 2011.

The Post saw 464,589 subscriptions taken out in all, with a 25% increase in the number of people taking a subscription for a full 12 months.

But the two major problems for Latvian Post in completing its delivery of periodicals is damaged or unidentifiable mailboxes, and out-of-control dogs.

The problems are mainly seen in urban areas and new housing complexes, but it can be difficult to reach people in office buildings as well.

Robert Timm, director of postal network management, said Latvian Post had prepared informational notices that will be distributed over the coming months to all customer addresses where the mailboxes are in poor condition or shipment delivery is difficult.

“The informational notices indicate the non-compliance with a particular mailbox regulation, and a request to correct the situation, so that the mail carrier can continue to provide high-quality delivery services to the client,” said Timm.

Latvian Post said the number of reported dog attacks on mail carriers reduced from 24 in 2010 to 11 in 2011, nevertheless the problem still continues, said the Post, adding that it can be difficult for the company to take formal action when dogs bite staff.

Seven of the cases of dog attacks last year required extended periods of medical treatment for the mail carriers involved.