In an effort to reduce the numbers of slum landlords operating so-called “beds in sheds” rental accommodation, Slough borough council in Hertfordshire is the first to use a spy plane to catch out unwitting offenders. The exercise cost Slough council an estimated £24k, but no doubt they feel it was money well spent after it picked up around 210 suspicious properties in the town.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
The police are no stranger to the benefits of thermal imaging cameras. Police forces across the country regularly use helicopters equipped with thermal imaging cameras to chase fugitives at night or identify cannabis farms in residential neighbourhoods. However, this is the first time such a technique has been used to identify suspicious heat sources in outlying buildings and sheds.
Council Housing Officials on the warpath
Thanks to the two-hour flyover across Slough, housing officials now have a handy map to work with. Over the next few weeks, housing officials will be paying a visit to see if any of the dwellings identified by the thermal imaging camera are currently home to tenants. If they are, the landlords can expect to be issued with fixed penalty notices. The fines will continue to increase for as long as tenants remain in the properties.
Appalling Living Conditions
Some tenants living in sheds are subjected to appalling living conditions. They often have no water or heating, yet are still expected to pay up to £100 per week for the privilege. The council is also keen to claw back some of the unpaid council tax they miss out on when tenants are living in illegal accommodation.
