An article on the NZ Herald website caught my eye today and is a salutary tale for all owners of rental properties.
A property owner is the “victim” after P-manufacturing equipment and chemicals worth almost half a million dollars was found at a rental property, say police.
Detective Sergeant Ricky Thompson said a police investigation last week discovered the large haul at a commercial property in Frankton, with the property owner likely to have to pay to clean it up.
“In this case the property owner was cooperative with police and is as much a victim as anyone and likely to face some costs related to the cleaning up of his property,” Mr Thompson said.
The chemicals were found in a follow-up investigation made after a couple’s arrest last Monday for manufacturing of drugs charges, he said.
The chemicals were worth up to $400,000 and the couple were likely to face more charges, Mr Thompson said.
Hamilton police are warning property owners to be vigilant so they do not become victims of crime.
Property owners should look out for suspicious signs – such as high traffic volumes or expensive security – and contact police with concerns, Mr Thompson said.
Source: NZ HERALD
Make sure you or your property manager conducts regular inspections. As though there isn’t already enough to be concerned about as a landlord in modern times in NZ, the P epidemic is one more thing to add to the list. Make sure you do a regular drive past of your investment property and look for any suspicious signs. Don’t hesitate to organise a visit if anything strikes you as out of the ordinary or just doesn’t feel right.
Better to be safe than sorry!
