Do you suspect there could be a Cannabis Farm in your Street?

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.

Signs to look out for are:

Strong, sickly smells
It may sound obvious, but most cannabis grows are discovered by passers-by or keen-nosed residents catching a whiff of the drug’s familiar smell. A cannabis crop takes about three months to grow and in the final weeks, the plants stink. 

Windows are constantly covered
Do your neighbours have the curtains drawn all day long? It might make it look like the house is unoccupied, but having windows blocked up with panelling or sheeting would suggest there’s something they don’t want you to see. This could be a sign that there are many budding plants inside soaking up bright artificial light.
 

Excessive security
Growers live in constant fear that their home-grown farms will be discovered by police, landlords or rival drug dealers. If there are padlocks on the gates, massive grilles and double and triple locks on the doors, that should raise eyebrows – especially if the street is relatively safe. On bigger, high value farms, portcullises, bars on the windows and even CCTV cameras can be evident.

High levels of condensation
Are the windows always misted up? From the inside, landlords might notice damp on the walls or peeling wallpaper, while from the outside a neighbour might spot condensation on the windows, even when it’s not the depths of winter. The condensation may well be due to inside having been turned into a makeshift greenhouse. For the best plant growth, cannabis needs an atmosphere similar to a greenhouse, and this can cause a lot of condensation.

Lots of visitors - and at unsociable hours
Frequent and varied visitors to a property, often at unusual times, could mean you just have a popular neighbour with a big family. But if unfamiliar faces are turning up next door day and night, it might be a sign that there’s something more sinister going on. One thing to watch for is lots of new faces coming knocking.

 

Other signs to look out for

·  Plant growing equipment being taken into property.

·  Bright lights day and night.

·  Buzz of ventilation.

·  Lots of cables and wiring.

·  Snow – Cannabis farms produce a lot of heat. Be wary of a property without a snow-covered roof.

If you suspect there may be a cannabis farm in your street, please let us know!