Inspections should include ‘P’ testing
Reporter looks into methamphetamine testing on properties, for our series
‘‘It is always good to get a negative result back from the laboratory but it’s not common,’’ said Robb.
He is keen for motels and hotels to have their premises tested on a regular basis, as methamphetamine users will smoke whenever and whereever.
The accommodation industry he said is ‘‘blinded to who methamphetamine users are’’.
‘‘One motelier rejected my approach saying, ‘we don’t allow those types of people to stay in their premises’,’’ he said.
‘‘My question is, describe a meth user?
‘‘Statistics show they are business people in their suits to the not-so-well groomed.
‘‘Demographics are not what landlords expect, with recorded offenders 63 per cent European, 55 per cent aged 31-45,’’ said Robb.
While the national figures are alarming, Robb’s concerns are in Do you have a business story worth sharing with the rest of the region? Email our reporter Mike Bain, on mike.bain@fairfaxmedia.co.nz the Waikato where his results confirm 50 per cent of rural house testing is positive.
Robb has discovered P labs, and while concerned has never been threatened, but is aware ‘‘situations can change rapidly’’.
Robb would like to see landlords have rental property inspections carried out on a regular basis and warns the costs associated with deconstruction of an affected property could be great.
‘‘Currently insurance covers the damage caused by meth use but companies are looking to cap the amounts on a claim.’’