That's another cannabis farm in Harrogate shut down last week

We uncovered another cannabis farm in Harrogate last week (Wednesday 6 March 2024). 

After officers entered the property on Haywra Street, they discovered a total of 468 plants with an estimated street value of over £200,000 along with equipment used in the production of cannabis.

The house was under a police scene guard until Saturday (9 March) whilst Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers carried out their investigation and to enable officers to safely dismantle and seize the production set up. 

A 56-year-old man was arrested in connection with the investigation and has been charged with the production of a controlled Class B drug – namely cannabis.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at York Magistrates’ Court on 2 April 2024.

The find follows another cannabis farm being located in the town at the end of last month.

The local community can help us by continuing to report any signs of criminal activity – any bit of information, no matter how small it may seem, could help make a big difference. 

If you have any information about suspicious activity in the area, please report it via our website or call 101 and ask for North Yorkshire Police.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12240040594 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
• 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 us online at www.northyorkshire.police.uk or by calling 101, 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.