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Last week we dismantled a large cannabis grow in the village of Stapleton near the border with County Durham.
It was thanks to local people calling in with concern about the property and for the welfare of the occupant of the rented house, that led us to the grow.
On Friday 31 May, officers entered the house and discovered around 160 plants, hydroponics and a dangerous diversion of the electricity supply.
Enquiries showed that the house had been rented out for a two-year period and had been taken over solely for the purpose of producing cannabis.
The lounge and all four bedrooms were full of plants and another room contained a single mattress believed to have been used by the person tending to the plants.
Sergeant Lauren Wilkinson of Richmondshire Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “My thanks go to the local community for raising concerns about the property and the welfare of the occupant. The information meant we have dismantled a substantial cannabis grow and prevented illegal drugs from reaching the streets. We urge anyone who has concerns about drugs in their neighbourhood to tell us.
“Unfortunately the property has sustained a lot of damage, including a highly dangerous diversion of the electricity supply and will require works to put it right. No arrests were made at the time and the investigation to trace the tenant is ongoing.
To report concerns about drugs in your neighbourhood, please call us on 101. Always call 999 in an emergency or if you see a crime in progress.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online via their website.
Signs that might indicate a premises is being used as a cannabis farm include:
Some useful information for landlords How to avoid a cannabis farm in your property | NRLA