A new campaign to encourage the public to provide anonymous information on houses and flats that are being used for cannabis cultivations was launched on Monday 30 August 2010 by Scotland Crimestoppers.

£40million worth of cannabis plants

The campaign comes as new figures released show that Scotland’s police forces have seized almost £40 million of cannabis plants since the national crackdown on this serious organised crime was launched in 2006 – with the more than 130,000 plants seized capable of covering the football pitches at Hampden, Ibrox and Parkhead.

The campaign, highlights the tell-tale signs of cannabis cultivations and calls on the public to anonymously share any suspicions they have through the Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by using the charity's secure online information giving form.

Use your senses

The public is being asked to use their natural senses to look out for the following signs, which may indicate the presence of a cannabis cultivation:

•    Blacked out windows, occasionally with condensation on them, or curtains or blinds are permanently closed;
•    Premises appear unoccupied most of the time, but people may be seen visiting late at night or into the early hours;
•    Visitors to the premises may be seen bringing in building supplies and/or gardening equipment, which may be carried in boxes or suitcases;
•    A low level hum or a loud buzzing sound caused by fans or extraction systems;
•    A strong, sweet distinctive smell;
•    Unusual levels of heat coming through walls and floors, which may be more noticeable in flats.

People may not notice all of these signs together, but are urged to report anything that appears out of the ordinary or suspicious to Crimestoppers.

Working with communities

John LS Malcolm, chairman, Scotland Crimestoppers said: “Crimestoppers plays a vital role in the fight against crime and we have a long history of working with communities to make them safer and help solve crimes.

“The public should be assured that when they call Crimestoppers to report suspicious activity, their anonymity is guaranteed - in 22 years of operating as an independent charity we've never broken that promise.  We do not take your name, we do not trace your call and we do not tape calls – all we need is what you know.

“Call Crimestoppers now on 0800 555 111 or give information anonymously online.”

Cannabis cultivation occurs nationwide

Cultivations have been detected by all eight forces across Scotland in both rural and urban settings and in a variety of properties, including flats, houses, farm buildings and industrial premises.

Chair of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill was joined at the launch by SCDEA Director General Gordon Meldrum, and Scotland Crimestoppers chairman John LS Malcolm and they outlined the threat to Scotland’s communities from cannabis cultivations and how the public can help.