In the last few years, the UK has seen an increase in the number
of cannabis farms being found throughout homes in all areas of the
country. These homes are usually rented properties and often in
busy residential communities.
In Cheshire, cannabis farms have been discovered in large towns
such as Warrington, Macclesfield and Northwich but also in rural
areas like Tarvin indicating the problem is not confined to the
major cities. You may not realise it but the farms themselves pose
a serious threat to your health.
They require the large quantities of fertilizers and pesticides
being stored and are often connected illegally to the electricity
supply, posing huge fire risks.
What to look for in your neighbourhood
You can help keep the sale of cannabis off the streets by
keeping an eye out for the following clues:
- A pungent and sweet smell on the street with no obvious
source.
- Unusual levels of heat coming from a property and/or no frost
or snow on the property when every house around it does.
- Unusual noises at odd times such as fans going constantly, or
large items like sacks or drums being dragged around.
- Windows that are blacked out by heavy curtains or bin bags from
the inside.
- Occupants who are rarely seen or seen at odd times
- The property seems unlived in or the residents are active at
odd times of the day.
- Bulky items being taken into the property, such as barrels and
drums.
- The creation of new air vents or the use of industrial air
vents in a domestic property.
If you’re a landlord
If your property is being used as a farm you may find that
no-one answers the door when you visit and that the locks have been
changed without you knowing.
Most commonly a rented property of a good size with several
rooms with an absentee landlord is chosen, so be aware of people
who ask how often you will visit the property when renting one of
your homes.
Cash may be used in transactions rather than setting up direct
debits. Areas with a mixture of residential and light industrial
buildings are commonly used, but cannabis farms have also been
found in rural locations.
Be suspicious if only offered cash and make regular checks of
the property once leased.
If your property is found to be have been used as a cannabis
farm, you can expect to find large scale electrical problems,
entire rooms filled with compost, damp conditions and fire damage.
The costs to make properties habitable again are considerable so be
aware of who is renting your properties.