Letterbox restrictors

Several landlords have asked what a letterbox restrictor is, as referred to in Clause 4.26 in the draft Unipol DASH Code. Here are pictures of two commonly used types. These should in no way interfere with mail being delivered normally and they are easily and inexpensively fitted.

A letter box restrictor is an angled plate that fits over the letter box. The reason this has been added to the Unipol DASH Code is that many houses now have to have a thumb turn inside the main door (to escape in the event of a fie without the use of a key) and there is a problem with thieves with a small arm (or even using a child as the Police tell us) being able to put their arm through the letterbox and open the door from inside. What is more, many students think this happens regularly. The easiest method of stopping this, and reducing the suspicion by students that it is possible, is to fit such a restrictor.

Three suppliers of letterbox restrictors, or security cowls as they can also be referred to, have now been identified:

• Mitchell's - 6 Lenton Boulevard - 0115 941 3701
• Jim Grey Locksmiths - 249-251 Ilkeston Road - 0115 942 2315
• Screwfix - Queens Court, Lenton Lane Industrial Estate - 0115 986 7235