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 yesterday that drug dealers, mainly from the central belt and the northeast of England, were looking for accommodation in rural parts of Shetland.
He appealed to anyone who had witnessed suspicious behaviour to get in touch with the local force as soon as possible.
DS Ronald said that in the past officers have 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 metal.
Proprietors should look out for groups of men, who are making payments in cash and providing false stories about why they are visiting the isles.
DS Ronald added: “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.
“Usual business practice is to request identification verification, occupancy details and vehicle details.”
Anyone with information should contact Lerwick police station on 101.