Estate agents 'drugged by client'

The women claim they were drugged while visiting a client

A man has been arrested after two estate agents were allegedly drugged while at a client's house.

The women said they accepted coffee at the property in Ely, Cardiff. They later complained of feeling dizzy and were taken to hospital.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and released on bail.

McMahon Associates, the estate agents' firm, has contacted other agencies warning them to be on their guard.

Safety advice

Andrew Thomas, a partner at Chris John estate agents in Cardiff and regional representative for the Association of Residential Letting Agents, said the incident, which happened earlier this week, would be taken seriously.

He said: "We are not so desperate for instructions that we are not going to turn down someone that we are not sure about."

He added that he had spoken to his staff on Thursday morning and told them not to accept drinks or food from customers.

Mr Thomas said: "If you are asked to give a valuation and we have any doubts about it, then we would not send a valuer alone.

"We never send junior staff to a new property and, if we had any concerns, then we would think twice in the office about accepting the work."

Mr Thomas added said that a forthcoming seminar for letting agents, due to be held in Cardiff in a few weeks' time, is likely to discuss the issue.

South Wales Police said on Thursday that a 27-year-old man from Ely was arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and later released on bail.