Spotting a Cannabis Farm in Your Area: 10 Tell-Tale Signs
Cannabis farms have become a growing concern in the UK, with hundreds of thousands of plants seized by police forces across the country every year. In the East of England, police have launched operations to crack down on these illegal operations, which often have connections to serious crime and exploitation.
So, how can you spot a cannabis farm in your area? Here are 10 tell-tale signs to look out for:
1. Curtains and windows closed and drawn, even in hot weather
2. Strange comings and goings from the address, with vehicles attending late at night
3. Unusual smells coming from the address, which could indicate cannabis is being grown
4. Light coming from roof spaces or leaking through the building in odd places
5. Sounds of fans constantly running in the address
6. Cables running to and from lampposts nearby
7. Rubbish bags full of garden-related waste
8. Occupants and visitors rarely seen, except at odd hours of the day
9. Condensation on the windows
10. Copious amounts of fertiliser taken to the address at odd times
Police forces in the East of England have made significant efforts to tackle cannabis growing sites, with Suffolk and Norfolk police seizing cannabis valued at over £8m and making 160 arrests as part of Operation Orbit.
The rise in cannabis farms is attributed to the decline of high streets, which has created an opportunity for criminals to take over commercial properties. These farms are often run by organized crime groups, which also engage in other serious crimes such as sexual exploitation.
In addition to the financial gains, cannabis farms can also have a negative impact on the local community, with police describing them as a “blight on the area”. The production and distribution of cannabis generates significant revenue for those at the top of the chain, and can also lead to exploitation and harm to vulnerable individuals.
Residents are urged to report any suspicions of cannabis farming to the police, which can help to disrupt these illegal operations and bring those responsible to justice.
