SUFFOLK police is urging landlords to play their part in preventing criminal gangs from setting up cannabis factories.

SUFFOLK police is urging landlords to play their part in preventing criminal gangs from setting up cannabis factories.

Last year, police discovered 21 cannabis factories across Suffolk.

Often criminal gangs arrange to have homes in residential areas converted to produce drugs.

As part of National Tackling Drugs Week, officers are urging landlords to continue to play their part in detecting such offences.

A guide for landlords called 'Keeping illegal drugs out of rental properties' is available from Suffolk police. It gives useful information and advice to property owners.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Mattin said: “Gangs involved in drug production seek to distance themselves from any illegal activity and a convenient way of doing this is to use rental properties. Taking over a property and then converting it into a factory can be profitable for them but it is detrimental both to landlords and the community.

“When criminals operate out of rental properties it can lead to damage, loss of rent, possible toxic contamination, risk of fire or flood and reduction in property values as well as having an adverse effect on those living near the address.

“The guide outlines how property managers, landlords and owners can work with police to tackle this issue, preventing problems both for themselves and local residents.”

Copies of the guide are available either via the Suffolk Constabulary website www.suffolk.police.uk or by contacting Robin Pivett on 01473 613500.