Abstract: A restraint device is disclosed comprising a wall bracket, an article bracket, a bridging member and a fastening component. When installed at or near the top of an article of furniture or appliance, the brackets provide an aperture or recess between the brackets and the vertical surface to which they have been fastened in which a pair of legs of the bridging member can be inserted. The bridging member forms a mechanical lock between the brackets which, when necessary, can very simply be disengaged. A method in accordance with the present invention for securing articles to a vertical surface, such as a wall, is provided which includes a few simple unskilled steps. Accordingly, one of the advantages of the restraint device of the present invention is its simplicity and ease of installation.