News / Police warn of ‘travelling drug dealers’
POLICE in Shetland are calling on the public to be vigilant after it emerged that “travelling drug dealers” were using guesthouses and holiday cottages as temporary bases for their illegal trade.
Detective sergeant Bryan Ronald said on Monday that drug dealers, mainly from the central belt and the northwest of England, were looking for accommodation in rural parts of Shetland.
He appealed to anyone who has witnessed suspicious behaviour to get in touch with the local force as soon as possible.
Ronald added that officers have in the past received a “great deal of calls after the event” when it was too late to track down the potential perpetrators.
Their activity could involve taking illegal drugs to the isles but also arriving here in advance of a mule carrying the drugs for further distribution. Some were also involved in the trade with stolen medal.
He said proprietors should look out for small groups of men who are making payments in cash and often provide false stories about why they are visiting the isles.
“Police advise owners to carry out simple crime prevention practices such as requesting identification of persons renting the property and carrying out routine property checks,” he said.
“Usual business practice is to request identification verification, occupancy details and vehicle details.”
The police officer added that the Shetland public was still very trusting, something that could easily be exploited by criminals.
“Be suspicious of any person who is hesitant or cannot provide routine information, refuses entry for routine house keeping, or conducts suspicious movements,” Ronald said.
“Police are requesting that any members of the public who have any information, or may have seen suspicious activity in/around these types of property to contact them.”
• You can contact Lerwick Police Station by dialling 101.
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