MID Norfolk landlords are being recruited for the war on drug crime.Police believe people who rent out houses have a vital role to play in helping identify properties which have been turned into factories for drugs cultivation or production.
MID Norfolk landlords are being recruited for the war on drug crime.
Police believe people who rent out houses have a vital role to play in helping identify properties which have been turned into factories for drugs cultivation or production.
Dereham Safer Neighbourhood Team's “Don't Turn a Blind Eye” leaflet follows recent cases where rented dwellings in the Dereham area have been turned into illicit drug-production centres.
Dereham inspector Peter Walsh said: “Landlords, neighbours and communities have provided very important information to the police in several recent cases leading to the detection of cannabis factories and the arrest and prosecution of several people. Please, keep that information flowing and alert us if you have any suspicions.”
He added: “These premises are a threat to communities because they are operated by organised criminals who grow drugs for illegal sale - but they can also present a physical danger to other people.
“We have found that electricity supplies have been diverted or rewired and that can present a danger of fire or electrocution to others.”
Landlords are being asked to be aware of suspicious activity such as tenants offering to pay rent in advance in cash, tenants who cannot or will not provide references or bank details, tenants refusing legitimate access to the premises by the landlord, strong and pungent vegetable smells from properties where windows are closely sealed, and cardboard and condensation on windows.
Another sign of a drug production centre could be the supply of dehumidifiers and ventilation equipment or the disposal of quantities of vegetable waste.
To request a copy of the guide contact Dereham SNT on 0845 456 4567 or email sntdereham@norfolk.
pnn.police.uk or go to Breckland Council offices in Dereham.
Anyone with information on drug dealing should ring Norfolk Police on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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