A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of illegal evictions was launched in Glasgow,

Shelter Scotland was at Caledonian University to warn students about bad landlords.

The campaign, Illegal Eviction - Know Your Rights, targets the criminal practice of illegal eviction by landlords in Scotland and is supported by Police Scotland, Crimestoppers and Scottish Association of Landlords.

Information about eviction and landlords was handed out to students yesterday.

A spokesman for Shelter Scotland said the event went "really well."

The main aim of the campaign is to make people understand that it is a criminal offence.

Chief Inspector Kenny Thomson of Police Scotland is completely behind Shelter and its campaign.

He said: "Police Scotland fully supports the awareness raising work being carried out by Shelter Scotland highlighting illegal evictions and the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords.

"Working in partnership with Shelter Scotland we are keeping people safe, allowing legitimate businesses to thrive and deterring criminals from infiltrating business areas, in this case, the Private Rented Sector."

The crime is a police matter and is punishable with a fine or, in more serious cases, a prison sentence.

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, fears for the knock on effect these actions could have on the sector.

He said: "Glasgow has a growing private rented sector and while most landlords behave professionally and treat their tenants with respect, there are some who still think they are above the law and evict people illegally to suit their own purposes.

"This criminal practice tarnishes the reputation of the private rented sector and has to be stamped out."

There are a number of ways in which illegal evictions take place such as changing the locks of a flat while the tenant is out or by threatening the tenant with violence or intimidation.

Cutting off gas and electricity supplies unknowingly is also considered an offence.

Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers in Scotland, said: "We would urge anyone with information about this to contact us anonymously, safe in the knowledge that their identity will not be revealed.

"Our anonymous telephone line and online form is accessible 24 hours a day.

"If you have any information please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."