Closing in on cannabis farms - Crimestoppers supports National Tackling Drugs Week

The crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, is asking the public to help the police locate cannabis farms that could be in residential properties on any ordinary, surburban street in towns and cities around the UK. The campaign coincides with the Home Office-led initiative, National Tackling Drugs Week (8 – 12 June).

Cannabis cultivation can fuel a range of serious organised crimes including the possession of firearms, people trafficking, prostitution and money laundering.

These illegal operations pose a significant threat to our fire services as highly flammable and dangerous chemicals are used in the cultivating process. Another hazard is that electricity supplies are bypassed to supply enough energy to run around eighty 600 watt lamps that have the potential to overload. Also, as the properties are often booby-trapped this means that the fire fighters have to deal with highly unpredictable environments.

There are also concerns that the dangerous form of cannabis, known as ‘skunk', is being cultivated in these farms. According to a Home Office report published last year the majority of cannabis on the streets is ‘skunk'. The stronger potency of this drug can lead to anti-social and criminal behaviour, as well causing long-term mental health problems for some users.

Michael Laurie, CBE, Crimestoppers' Chief Executive said: “Around 50% of information that is passed to Crimestoppers every year is about drugs offences so the public are clearly concerned about having drugs in their communities.

“This week we want to get the public behind this campaign and help us put a severe dent in the dangerous and organised criminal activity than is behind cannabis cultivation. Not only do these farms endanger the lives of our fire fighters but they could also be exploiting vulnerable young people who are forced to work in them. Tell us where the farms are; not who you are.”

Crimestoppers is asking for members of the public to pass on any information they may have on these cannabis farms by telephoning 0800 555 111 or via an online form on www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Both routes are 100% anonymous – names are not taken, calls are not traced or recorded and people do not have to go to Court.

[ENDS]

For more information contact Crimestoppers' press office.

Download the Closing in on cannabis farms press release (MS Word document)

More information about Crimestoppers and National Tackling Drugs Week, including our film on how to spot a cannabis farm.

Notes to editors

• The signs to spot cannabis farming:
  • The windows of the property are permanently covered from the inside
  • Visits to the premises occur at unusual times of the day or night
  • People often do not live in the premises and only visit to maintain them. Offenders may call daily or weekly but usually do not stay long
  • There may be a vent protruding through the roof or a rear window
  • There may be a pungent smell coming from the premises
  • There may be noise coming from the equipment in the premises (i.e. cooling fans)
  • Black bin bags or laundry bags for removal of cannabis or by-products, such as used fertilizer
  • Compost bags or gardening equipment left outside, usually in the rear of the premises
• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our ‘giving information' form via our website www.crimestoppers-uk.org
• Around 19 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every four days is charged with murder.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 91,000 arrests and charges. Over £167 million worth of property has been recovered and over £160 million worth of drugs.
• In 2006, Crimestoppers launched the UK's Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 500 arrests to date from 2.5 thousand appeals posted.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers ‘call to action' is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.
• In September 2007, Crimestoppers launched a youth website www.shadowcs.co.uk which allows young people to give information anonymously online.