Police uncover cannabis farm in Harrogate

Police in Harrogate have dismantled a cannabis farm that was uncovered at a house on Harlow Terrace on Wednesday (21 February 2024).

More than 300 plants and equipment have been seized at the property, which was under a police scene guard until Friday evening.

A 25-year-old man was arrested in connection with the investigation and released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

Witnesses or anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area are urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 4, and make a report to the Force Control Room.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12240030803 when providing details.

Cannabis farms - signs to look out for

• Windows covered at all times
• Excessive security measures
• Lots of condensation
• Unusual comings and goings - frequent visitors at unsociable hours. Or resident only visiting address occasionally – once or twice a week
• Plant growing equipment going in and out of properties, such as soil/fertiliser and plant waste
• Lot of cables and wiring
• Bright lights day and night
• Buzz of fans
• A pungent smell
• Vulnerable adults – sometimes vulnerable and trafficked people are forced to tend to cannabis farms
• Snowless roof when everyone else’s is covered – cannabis farms create a lot of heat

Landlords

• Be wary of anyone who offers to pay months’ worth of rent up front
• Excessive electricity bills - have the electricity bills suddenly spiked or dropped?
• Pay regular maintenance visits to the property and be suspicious if the tenant is never there or won’t let you in – call the police if you feel threatened

Making a report

You can pass information to the police on 101 or online at www.northyorkshire.police.uk, or, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

If you feel threatened or in danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.