A Police and Crime Commissioner is asking landlords to be on the look-out for possible cannabis farms in their rental properties, following a string of dangerous fires and a fatality.
PCC Susan Dungworth, who represented the Northumbria force, says those setting up cannabis farms in their homes are placing themselves, their neighbours, and the emergency services in serious danger.
She is appealing directly to landlords for help in tackling the growing problem – urging them to be vigilant and report concerns.
Signs of a cannabis farm at a property might include extra security, windows that are covered, lots of moisture, and a strong, sweet smell. Also, bright lights always on, more air systems, and wires that have been changed could mean trouble. Nationally, the issue of growing cannabis in rented homes is on the rise. 90% of cannabis used in the UK is grown in cannabis farms set up in rented homes – with criminals attracted to the anonymity and the ease of being able to quickly abandon premises without a financial tie in.
Such home-based drug farms have resulted in tragedies up and down the country, with fatal fires.
As well as putting lives at risk through fire danger, police often uncover cannabis production links to other illegal activity like human trafficking and violence, with organised crime groups often behind this.
Dungworth says: “Growing cannabis in a rented home is bad news for everyone. It makes the area less safe and can lead to devastating consequences that impact innocent families and entire communities as we saw recently in Benwell. My thoughts remain with the loved ones of Archie York whose whole life was taken away from so unfairly because of people choosing to illegally grown cannabis at a residential property.
“We should all report any concerns or suspicions we may have about drug production in our areas. I want landlords to help too by watching for the signs that it could be happening in their property.
“Growing cannabis at home is like setting up ‘death traps’ because of the many risks involved. Landlords and letting agents have a responsibility to check on their tenants and be aware of what their properties are being used for. I’d encourage landlords to regularly visit their properties and make sure nothing suspicious is going on. Make sure you carry out background checks on those who want to rent too. Any illegal and dangerous activity, such as cultivating cannabis plants, should be reported to the police or
Crimestoppers, if preferred.
“Our police have had some great results in the past few months – dismantling multiple farms, arresting suspects and even safeguarding a number of people. Intelligence sharing from landlords and the wider community has helped achieve this, and we welcome more of it.”
Police officers in er region, the North East, have seized over £3.2 million worth of cannabis plants and arrested ten in a drug crackdown.
Anyone with information about drug production can contact Northumbria Police online or via 101. Otherwise, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or by completing a safe and secure online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. In an emergency, always call 999.
