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Fleet Town > Fleet News > Landlords and property managers may face prosecution

Landlords and property managers may face prosecution

4th July 2007

Hampshire Constabulary is sending out clear advice and guidance to property managers and landlords who rent out private accommodation across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Following the increasing number of rented properties across the two counties being used for the production of illegal drugs, the force has produced a “landlord's guide”, explaining that property managers have a duty to report any suspicious drug activity to police, or face the prospect of prosecution themselves.

The A5 booklet entitled “Don't, Turn a Blind Eye - A landlord's guide to keeping illegal drugs out of rented property,” has already been emailed to letting agents and housing associations across the two counties.

Over the next week, hard copy versions of the booklet will also be distributed to property managers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The publication includes advice and guidance, and highlights the signs to look out for if you suspect a cannabis factory or chemical drugs laboratory has been established at a property.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, a landlord/property manager can receive a maximum of 14 years in prison and/or a fine, if they turn a blind eye and allow the production of controlled drugs to take place in rented accommodation.

Under this legislation, there is also the potential for premises to be seized or forfeited.

The constabulary works hard to rid our communities of drugs, and rental properties are increasingly being used as a convenient way for criminal gangs to hide their activity from public gaze.

In the last 12 months alone, 87 cannabis factories have been discovered in properties across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, almost all having been established in rented accommodation.

The cost of cleaning up these properties is huge, and could lead to large-scale loss of earnings over a prolonged period.

A house may even need to be demolished if it is deemed unfit for human habitation following the manufacture of highly toxic drugs such as the Class A narcotic, Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth).

Hampshire Constabulary Drugs Intelligence Manager, DS Andy Waite, said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned at the growth of illicit drug production in rented premises across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. So far most of this activity has been centred around cannabis production, but we have also seen some chemical drug production.

“Not only is drug manufacture incredibly dangerous and hazardous to whole communities, but those who own the premises involved leave themselves open to possible prosecution and imprisonment, forfeiture of the premises, or at the very least, huge bills for clean-up operations.

“Owners and agents need to be sure that they are taking proper steps to ensure that they know who they are renting property to, and that they are not using the premises for illegal purposes. Simply accepting rent and turning a blind eye to what a premises is used for is a very dangerous game.”

The constabulary is urging landlords to do their bit by reporting suspicious activity in rental premises, and provide information which can help target the manufacture and supply of drugs as part of its continuing Safer Neighbourhoods strategy.


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