Cannabis factory found following report by member of the public

Around £25,000 worth of drugs have been found in a cannabis factory in Royal Wootton Bassett following a report by a concerned member of the public.

Officers attended a property in Buxton Way at around 5.25pm yesterday afternoon after the resident noticed a strong smell coming from the property and spotted that only certain lights were used.

Upon entry, officers discovered a cannabis grow of around 25 plants, amounting to a street value of around £25,000, as well as evidence the electrics had been tampered with.

No people were found at the address.

A scene remains in place while we conduct our enquiries and ensure the property is safe.

PS Darren Zerebecki of the Royal Wootton Bassett response team said: “This is a great example of the importance of community intelligence.

“A potential cannabis farm was reported to us by a member of the public yesterday and we have been able to swiftly take action, discovering a cannabis grow which will now be seized.

“A scene remains in place while we investigate and gather evidence, so residents are likely to see an increased policing presence.

“The public are our eyes and ears. If you think that a property near you might be used for illegal drug activity then please report it to us.

“This can be done on 101 or through our website. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

How to spot a cannabis farm and what to look out for:

• Strong odours – Cannabis crops take around three months to grow, odours can be potent in the final weeks.
• Covered up windows – Curtains always drawn up or windows covered/boarded up from the inside.
• Excessive security measures – Excessive security measures such as extra locks or grilles on windows.
• Lots of condensation – Cannabis plants need a greenhouse like environment to grow. Look out for condensation on the windows, especially in the summer months.
• Lots of visitors – Frequent visitors at unsociable hours.
• Resident only visiting address twice weekly – Some cannabis growers are extremely organised and only tend to the plants a couple of times a week.
• Plant growing equipment – Look out for potential growers taking lots of plant growing equipment in and out of properties, such as soil/fertiliser and plant waste.
• Lot of cables and wiring – Cannabis farm set ups require lots of cables and wirings for all the equipment. If wires are still hanging from ceilings/walls after a week, this may be a sign of a grow.
• Excessive electricity bills (For Landlords) – Have the electricity bills suddenly spiked or dropped? It may be likely that the tenants are fiddling with the meter.
• Snow – Cannabis farms produce a lot of heat. Be wary of a property without a snow-covered roof.
• Bright lights day and night – Cannabis plants need light to grow, look out for properties with bright lighting.
• Buzz of ventilation – The constant noise of a fan could be for ventilation for cannabis grows.