|
Would you notice an illegal cannabis farm in your local area?
#SignsToSpot include: noise from fans, blacked out windows, frequent visitors throughout the day and/or a sweet, sickly aroma. Cannabis farms are premises which have been adapted to such an extent that normal usage would be inhibited. Usually present within the premises are items solely concerned for the production of cannabis, these could be (but not limited to): High intensity lighting
Ventilation / extractor fans
Hydroponics systems Cannabis cultivation refers to the practice and process of producing cannabis flowers via cannabis farms. Cannabis farms are very dangerous places and pose a serious risk of fire. Often the electricity meter has been bypassed and overloaded electrical circuits run close to water-filled pipes. Plants grown upstairs in a building can also cause floorboards to rot, presenting the danger of collapse. In addition, it is also important to consider that sometimes the people working in the ‘farms’ are victims of human trafficking and working against their will. Cannabis farms can crop up in any residential area, not just in homes but in the back of shops, warehouses and derelict buildings. It is vital you inform us of any information that will help us to identify them. What to look out for? Strong odours – Cannabis crops take around three months to grow, odours can be potent in the final weeks.Covered up windows – Curtains always drawn up or windows covered/boarded up from the inside.Excessive security measures – Excessive security measures such as extra locks or grilles on windows.Lots of condensation – Cannabis plants need a greenhouse like environment to grow. Look out for condensation on the windows, especially in the summer months.Lots of visitors – Frequent visitors at unsociable hours. Resident only visiting address twice weekly – Some cannabis growers are extremely organised and only tend to the plants a couple of times a week. Plant growing equipment – Look out for potential growers taking lots of plant growing equipment in and out of properties, such as soil/fertiliser and plant waste. Lot of cables and wiring – Cannabis farm set ups require lots of cables and wirings for all the equipment. If wires are still hanging from ceilings/walls after a week, this may be a sign of a grow. Excessive electricity bills (For Landlords) – Have the electricity bills suddenly spiked or dropped? It may be likely that the tenants are fiddling with the meter. Snow – Cannabis farms produce a lot of heat. Be wary of a property without a snow-covered roof. Bright lights day and night – Cannabis plants need light to grow, look out for properties with bright lighting. Buzz of ventilation – The constant noise of a fan could be for ventilation for cannabis grows.Vulnerable adults – Sometimes foreign nationals are forced to tend to cannabis farms and are victims of human trafficking/modern slavery. Advice for LandlordsGuidance for Landlords has also been created to raise awareness of cannabis farms and encourage landlords to carry out deeper checks in the hope that it will prevent their property from being exploited.Landlords - be aware of the potential signs that a resident is growing cannabis in your property Cost to you, the landlord Loss of rent Reputational lossFinancial loss to rectify damageLarge utility bills/rectification feesPolice and Council InvestigationsHouse insurance providers may not pay out for damage to property
Single Male Tenants
Evidence shows that most cannabis farms in West Yorkshire are properties that have been rented by single males: Male – 86% Female – 14% The most common age group were 30-39 (36%), followed by 20-29 (28%).
Prevention – Cannabis Farm Aware
Outline within your tenancy agreement that you will check the property once in an 8-10 week period - a check in this period does not allow time to grow a cannabis crop. Check photographic identity and complete any in-depth rental checksLeave a contact number with the neighbours of your rental property and check in with them every so often.
Are Your Residents Evasive?
Not responding to calls, visits or other correspondence.Not allowing essential services in, gas, electricity & water. Not allowing or turning up for property inspections. Third parties paying rent and utilities at the address.
Cash Payments?
Many people involved in cannabis farms will want to pay cash to avoid police detection. They may also pay a significant amount of rental payments upfront to reduce interactions with Landlords. Some may also offer to cover the cost of any building maintenance for this same reason.
Other signs to look out for
Plant growing equipment being taken into propertyStrong odoursBright lights day and nightBuzz of ventilation Covered up windowsLots of condensationExcessive security measures put in placeResident being evasive and/or only visiting property once or twice a weekLots of cables and wiringExcessive electricity bills
If you've spotted any of these, you can talk to Crimestoppers, 100% anonymously, about any information you have. Any details you share could make a big difference.
To learn more head here: New North West campaign launched highlighting serious crimes and dangers associated with cannabis cu | Crimestoppers
If you see anything suspicious, or wish to report a crime, you can report this to 101 or online on our GMP website https://www.gmp.police.uk/ or you can contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their website: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) Kind regards, Oldham Central Neighbourhood Policing Team. | 
