Landlords were warned of the dangers of renting properties without due diligence.\u00a0 At an information evening organized to warn landlords on how to avert being duped into renting properties to illegal drugs organizations,\u00a0 D.I. Bill Stupples of Merseyside Police Matrix Unit gave advice on the dangers of drug cultivation and manufacture in rental properties.<\/p>\n
Susceptible landlords who have let properties without taking the necessary steps of tenant referencing, have been left with thousands of pounds worth of damage and loss of rental income, then find that their insurance doesn\u2019t cover the damage.<\/p>\n
Along with the financial loss, two properties in Merseyside used for growing drugs were defended through an array of booby traps akin to jungle warfare. Drug cultivators have been known to place metal spikes hidden under cardboard beneath windows and bare live electrical cables running across frames in a bid to deter rival drug gangs and local criminals. There were 3000 properties found by police last year in England and Wales used for illegal drug operations, of which 280 properties were used for cannabis growing in Merseyside.\u00a0 Volatile chemicals and un-secure hijacking of electrical use have resulted in fires.<\/p>\n
\u201cLandlords tempted by potential tenants offering 6 months rent in advance should be vigilant and ensure they carry out the necessary reference checks,\u201d suggested D.I. Stupples.<\/p>\n