Suffolk police offer landlords guide to tackle cannabis problems
Suffolk police have decided to take a much more proactive approach in helping landlords keep their residential rental properties safe and free of drugs, by publishing a guide on how those in the buy-to-let sector can find out if their tenants may be engaged in illegal activity. The newly published guide was created after Suffolk police learned that 21 residential rental properties in Suffolk were being used as cannabis grow operations by their tenants in 2008 alone. These numbers appear to be rising from one year to another, leading police to launch a campaign aimed at increasing awareness among landlords.
Steve Mattin, the Suffolk police force’s chief inspector, noted that gangs are increasingly targeting residential rental properties, as these are generally innocuous locations and they will be unlikely to raise any suspicion if illegal activities are occurring inside. These rental properties are then converted in order to function as a cannabis grow operations and are often very profitable for those involved. Landlords, however, will find themselves faced with a massive financial burden, as such properties are usually very badly damaged, with entire walls removed and electricity rewired.
Mattin noted that landlords should be on the look out for several important signs that their property might be used for illegal purposes. For example, windows that have been blacked out, curious odours emanating around the house and unusually powerful lighting may all be signs that the residential property in question has been turned into a cannabis factory. Residential landlords in the Suffolk area are encouraged to contact local police by telephone (01473 613500) in order to receive a copy of the newly published guide.