A 79 year old pensioner is recovering from shock after finding out that her house that was rented out contained a cannabis factory. She was left distraught upon hearing from one of her neighbours, that the police had raided her house and had confiscated cannabis plants and equipment, the tenant had managed to get away.

The pensioner said: "I cannot believe this has happened to me. I am so shocked and this whole experience has been awful.

"The worst thing is I cannot get back to assess the damage - which my neighbour said is awful, including holes in the ceiling."

The landlord had owned the house since 1990 added: "The house has been left in such a bad state.

"I want other people renting their homes to be aware that this might happen, and maybe more checks should be carried out.

"I feel vulnerable, and want to warn others. These characters look for empty houses to grow drugs so more should be done to prevent this happening."

The Cannabis factory was discovered after a routine check by a gas man who tried to enter the property and could see that there was someone in the property who failed to open the door. He called at one of the neighbours' houses for keys only to find that the locks had been changed. He immediately called the lettings agent acting on behalf of the landlord.

One of the lettings agent’s partners, Stephen Kirsch said: "The tenant's rent has been transferred on time each month so there was absolutely no reason to be concerned.

"Thankfully we pride ourselves on our hands on approach so within 10 minutes of the landlord calling us, we had visited the property, inspected the outside of the house and called the police.

"After speaking to the police, it seems that these criminals create themselves a credit profile by using a false passport which in turn gains them a National Insurance number, bank account, credit cards and so on."

Daniel Phillips at Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "Police were called to the property in Langley Way on Monday after reports of suspicious activity at the property.

"One male was seen running away from the property at around 10am which raised the alarm.

"Police then found a suspected cannabis factory and a quantity of suspected cannabis was seized.

 

"Investigations are ongoing."

PIMS COMMENT

• We have dealt with properties being turned into Canabis Farms on many occassions. Landlords should be ALWAYS be guarded and the best spies are the properties neighbours [give nosey Betty your number she may be you best Alie]
• Always ask for a guarantor
• Read this Guide to drug abuse in rented properties
• Larger detached properties [isolated] with Cellars and Lofts ar more susceptible to this type of crime, but we have seen in all types of properties used for this purpose. Check your Landlord insurance policy covers mallicious damage.
• If you suspect you may be a victim of such situation then call members Helpline for always better to be pre emptive
• YOU MUST must be able to demonstrate diligence as to who you rented your property to [Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971] see Tenancy Vetting

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.