BOOBY TRAP RISK FOR UNWARY LANDLORDS

UNSUSPECTING landlords could be dicing with death if they turn up
unexpectedly at their own properties to discover they have been
converted into cannabis factories.

That's the chilling warning from a Dorset-based member of the
National Landlords Association, amid fears that makeshift cannabis
factories' could be booby-trapped to deter rival criminal gangs.

Two cannabis factories found at rented properties in Southampton last
year were booby-trapped.

In other parts of the country drug dealers have also wired up the
mains electricity to doors and windows to keep rival gangs out and
protect their lucrative plants from being seized.

So far none of the properties raided by Dorset police have been booby-trapped.

But Bournemouth and Poole landlord Richard Price, the NLA's director
of operations, told the Daily Echo: "It is potentially very
dangerous; just one touch of a door knob could see a landlord electrocuted.

"Our advice is that if landlords are suspicious about what their
properties are being used for they should speak to neighbours and
call the police."

Following a spate of cannabis factory raids across Bournemouth and
Poole, Mr Price said: "Booby-trapping properties is a rare occurrence
but landlords need to be aware of the risks.

"Prevention is better than cure; landlords should carry out proper
reference checks and insist on at least two forms of ID with a photograph.

"Avoid tenants who want to pay up front in cash for six months. That
should set alarm bells ringing. Don't be fooled by a wad of notes and
a flash car. "

For safety, Dorset police officers are always accompanied by Southern
Electric engineers when they carry out raids at cannabis factories.

l The NLA can be contacted on 0207 840 8900. Checks on potential
tenants can be carried out on-line on landlords.org.uk