POLICE at Warrington have issued some helpful advice on how to spot if your neighbour has set up a cannabis farm.
They have also warned of the serious danger such activities pose to neighbours.
Criminal groups involved in the production of cannabis are usually involved in other serious organised crime and use violence, intimidation and exploitation of vulnerable people to keep their illicit businesses going, say police.
They will often rent residential and industrial properties in the heart of the community.
A police spoikesman said: “The growing of cannabis brings dangers to neighbouring properties because cannabis farms pose a very serious fire risk. The people who set up these farms often risk their own safety and that of their neighbours when tampering with the electricity meters to steal electricity.
“There will generally be a number of hot lamps hooked up to dangerously overloaded electricity sockets as well as an extensive watering system. Clearly, electricity and water are never a good combination.
“These groups are only interested in making money, and have no regard for the community in which they operate.
“The public can help us stop them from turning houses and flats into potential death traps. Nobody wants to live next door to these houses and we would ask that if you believe someone is using a property for this purpose, please tell us so we can take positive action and find those responsible for setting them up.”
Signs to look for at neighbouring properties include:
*Strange smells and sounds
*Frequent and varied visitors to a property, often at unusual times
*Gardening equipment being taken into a property, such as plant pots, fertiliser, fans and industrial lighting
*Windows sealed or covered or curtains permanently closed
*Heat from an adjoining property
*Birds gathering on a roof in cold weather
The spokesman added: “Individually these activities may seem commonplace. However, together may indicate something more sinister.
Anyone with any information can call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
How to spot if your neighbour has set up a cannabis farm
00 Comments
