Fire Brigade fit arson-proof letterboxes at homes at risk of hate crimes and domestic abuse

Firefighters are fitting arson-proof letterboxes at the homes of people at risk of domestic abuse or hate crimes.

The free service is being offered to those at risk of being fire-bombed, with the device fitted within 24 hours of a referral from council officers.

More than 400 are being fitted across Bexley and fire stations in the City of London and Enfield are also taking part. The brigade hopes the initiative could be offered London-wide.

It is not known how many residents are targeted by arsonists pouring flammable liquids or lighted items through a letterbox but the brigade is fitting eight devices a week in Bexley alone.

Money is also being spent on fire-retardant bedding and nightwear, smoke alarms and on sprinkler systems in local authority sheltered housing schemes.

According to Bexley council, domestic violence accounts for the second highest number of recorded violent crimes in the borough, with about 1,200 offences a year. However, it is believed that the majority of domestic incidents go unreported to police.

Graham Coles, the brigade’s borough commander for Bexley, said: “I kept hearing about domestic abuse and hate crime cases involving arson and realised there was a clear fire risk which we could help prevent. We want to give peace of mind to anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence and this project will offer reassurance to anyone put in this frightening situation.

“Domestic violence referrals often have young families so providing fire-retardant bedding as well as fire-proof letterboxes offers another level of protection and peace of mind.”

He added: “Stopping fires before they happen is as important as responding to them when they do occur.”

The costs of the initiative are covered by the brigade’s community safety investment fund, which has donated more than £1 million to help protect vulnerable people from the risk of fire.

One woman from Sidcup, who has received a letterbox, said: “My son was mentally ill and out of control. He smashed everything up in my house. He is no longer living with me but was making threats to do it again.

“I’m a single parent living with my two daughters and I felt so vulnerable… Anyone who is going through what I went through, I’d encourage them to get help. It makes me feel a lot safer having the letterbox.”

The letterbox captures fluid or accelerant poured through the flap in a fire-retardant bag. Each letterbox costs about £50.