Be aware of the signs of cannabis farms

People in Renfrewshire are being urged to look out for criminal gangs developing cannabis farms in their communities.

Police chiefs have warned locals that organised crime groups are increasingly using private homes to grow hundreds of plants while putting lives at risk.

Warning that the practice is happening in Renfrewshire now, local officers are asking people to come forward if they spot any of the tell tale signs a property is being used to grow or manufacture drugs.

Explaining the practice often involves bypassing the electricity metre, police chiefs say growing cannabis can result in catastrophic fires.

A spokesperson for the force yesterday said:“Organised crime gangs are renting properties in your community and setting up cannabis farms, which often bring with them serious violence, victims of modern slavery, and increased risks of fatal building fires and explosions.

“Criminals secure properties through letting agents, offering to pay for months of use in advance, usually in cash.”

Signs that a property may be being used as a cannabis farm include an unusual amount of activity when the tenants first move in; a large number of visitors at all times of day and night, excessive fortification of the property; silver duct tape hanging out of windows; blacked out windows and an excessive amount of condensation on windows and walls.

The spokesperson added:“If you have information about any property being used as a grow house or farm to cultivate cannabis in your area you can report it to Police Scotland on 101, alternatively you can speak to Crimestoppers Scotland anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

For more information on how to spot a cannabis farm log on to crimestoppers-uk.org/ criminal-gangs-growing