Following a recent drugs caution in the South Warnborough area, Hampshire Police are reminding members of the public, particularly Neighbourhood Watch members, that drug offences can occur in any house, in any street and the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to Police on 101. This recent incident was aided by members of the public being the eyes and ears of the neighbourhood and voicing their concerns to officers; demonstrating how important it is to report to Police anything suspicious in your area. In the last 18 months 2 Cannabis Factories have been found in Horndean too.
They have issued the following advice on how to spot a cannabis factory: “How To Spot A Cannabis Factory”
Cannabis Factories
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. The cost of cleaning up these properties huge and the impact on landlords is devastating. Help us identify these properties in your area:
Landlords responsibilities
Landlords and property managers have a duty to report any suspicious drug activity to police, or face the prospect of prosecution themselves.
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 landlords’ 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” 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.
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). Landlords can find out more on this link here: “Advice For Landlords”
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