Alert for drug factories
Landlords in Staffordshire are being urged to watch out for tell tale signs of their properties being used to grow illegal drugs. Landlords in Staffordshire are being urged to watch out for tell tale signs of their properties being used to grow illegal drugs. The alert has gone out from police in Trent Valley who are concerned that rented terraced houses could be turned into cannabis "factories" by criminals who face stiff jail sentences once they are caught. Police in Trent Valley division, which includes Lichfield, Burntwood, Uttoxeter, Tamworth and Burton have been liaising with colleagues in neighbouring forces. Dozens of houses have been raided and hundreds of cannabis plants seized. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Landlords in Staffordshire are being urged to watch out for tell tale signs of their properties being used to grow illegal drugs.
The alert has gone out from police in Trent Valley who are concerned that rented terraced houses could be turned into cannabis "factories" by criminals who face stiff jail sentences once they are caught.
Police in Trent Valley division, which includes Lichfield, Burntwood, Uttoxeter, Tamworth and Burton have been liaising with colleagues in neighbouring forces.
Dozens of houses have been raided and hundreds of cannabis plants seized.
PC Will Holloway, who is co-ordinating the latest police investigation, said: "Typically, these drug dealers target landlords who have terraced homes and strike a deal paying several months rent up front and in cash.
"They then strip the property bare – knocking through walls and damaging the structure in order to fit in cannabis plant growing equipment and lighting."
PC Holloway says living rooms are usually left furnished with a television and sofa to give the impression the property is lived in.
But every other room, including the kitchen, bathroom and loft, can be packed with plants, water irrigation systems and sophisticated heating and lighting.
He said: "This huge scale plant growing operation can net the criminals a small fortune – maybe up to £250,000 a year – but leave the property owner with a massive bill.
"I have seen rented houses where walls have been knocked down, fireplaces pulled out and chimneys damaged, leaving landlords with a substantial repair bill and a house that can't easily be re-let.
"Homeowners can also face huge electricity bills running into thousands of pounds because the so-called tenants have no intention of paying any power bills."
Landlords who are approached with offers of cash rentals, or who suspect a property is being used illegally, should contact the police.
Neighbours are also urged to report any nearby properties they fear are being used in this way.
Anyone with information should contact PC Holloway at Burton police station or call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
