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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Layla Nicholson & Katie L Wilson

Postal worker shares why the 'P' is written on the front of letters leaving Brits amazed

A curious bunch of Brits have started to wonder why some of their Royal Mail post arrives with the letter 'P' scribbled across it when they receive letters through the door.

And, it turns out this isn't an accident, the Daily Star reports.

The letter ‘P’, which is sometimes found inked onto the front of the envelope, actually has some significance. But, what does the letter stand for?

Many Reddit users have theorised as to why they've found a letter 'P' scribbled onto their letters.

One person fretted: “It's what thieves use to mark your house to let others know you have expensive dogs.”

Postie shares why the 'P' is written on the front of letters and people are amazed (u/designer_by_day)

Another user giggled: “Very subtle Wordle clue - takes 5 days then you just rearrange them. Never right.”

But there is nothing to fear as it has nothing to do with criminal markings or even a show of dislike towards you from your local postal worker.

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.

Many Reddit users have theorised as to why P is scribbled onto their letters (Getty Images)

Luckily, a postal worker on Reddit reassured the masses that the ‘P’ just helps them and their fellow postal workers track when there are parcels coming.

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

And another reiterated the point: “It's the postie's way of reminding themselves that when they come to post your letter there's also a parcel for you.

A postman shared on Reddit that the ‘P’ just helps them track when there's parcels coming (Moment Editorial/Getty Images)

"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.”

So that is the answer for the mystery ‘P’ - just a reminder for postal workers that they have a parcel to deliver as well as a letter.

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