Landlords urged to turn in "dodgy tenants"

Residential landlords in Coventry, who suspect illegal activity may be taking place in their properties, are being urged to "shop dodgy tenants".

West Midlands Police have written to 2,500 people, who rent out properties in the city, encouraging them to take part in scheme called Tenant Watch, the Coventry Telegraph reported.

Under the scheme, landlords are urged to inform police of any illegal activity like prostitution or distribution of illegal substances.

A number of people have already been prosecuted this year under the scheme, for offences including identity fraud and vehicle crimes.

Police in the area have now introduced a new dedicated "hotline" in a bid to get more landlords to offer information.

Carolyn Witts, acting sergeant of West Midlands Police, said: "There is a lot of shared accommodation in the city, so landlords may well stumble across evidence of, or hear about, criminal activity.

"We're not asking landlords to spy on tenants. We simply want them to be aware of what's going on in their properties and to let us know if they've any concerns over their tenants' activities or behaviour."

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