Guide helps detect drug factories

The guide says the houses often have extra roof vents and covered windows

A new guide to help landlords spot the signs of cannabis factories and other drug production in rented properties has been produced by Suffolk Police.

The guide urges landlords to look out for telltale signs that their house or building is being used for illegal activities.

The force said an increasing number of cannabis factories were being uncovered in the county.

Tips included checking for visits at unusual hours and "pungent" smells.

In 2004/2005, police recorded 13 crimes of cannabis production in Suffolk where 10 or more plants were confiscated.

In total 734 plants were seized that year.

In 2007/2008, 1321 plants were seized and 21 crimes recorded.

The force said cannabis factories are often suburban houses, rented for the purpose of setting up a factory.

These premises are a danger not only because the drugs that are grown will then be sold on our streets, but also because the premises themselves can potentially be a hazard Robin Pivett, Suffolk Police

The interiors are stripped out and plants are grown under hothouse conditions, crammed into every room of the property.

On average about 400 plants are discovered in a property.

Robin Pivett, Suffolk Police's drug reduction and prevention officer, said: "When drug criminals operate out of rental properties, the local neighbourhood suffers, and property managers and landlords often pay a high price.

"The reputation of the landlord or property manager can be affected, other property owners may be reluctant to place their properties with the rental company, and a huge amount of damage is caused to the property often costing thousands of pounds to repair.

"These premises are a danger not only because the drugs that are grown will then be sold on our streets, but also because the premises themselves can potentially be a hazard."