CITIZEN TIPS LEAD TO GROW-OP BUST

Police are thanking local residents for alerting them to the
existence of a grow-up, and say illegal growers will use any
location, even the nice neighbourhoods of North York. Toronto Police
uncovered a $500,000 marijuana grow operation at a Hidden Trail home
Jan. 9 after acting on neighbourhood tips.

Det. Sgt. David Malcolm of Drug Squad West said no arrests have been
made and police are still investigating, focusing on people who were
renting the home in the quiet Dufferin Street and Steeles Avenue area
neighbourhood.

"No area in the city is safe (from grow houses)," Malcolm said.
"Anywhere that can be utilized will be."

A Hidden Trail resident, who didn't wish to be identified, said she
became suspicious of illegal activity when she hadn't seen anyone
enter or leave the house since it was sold at the end of August. She
phoned police in December.

"No garbage was ever put out, no mail was delivered," said the resident.

After what she said appeared to be a slow response from police, the
resident also informed her neighbours of her suspicions; the
neighbours in turn also placed calls to police.

Her suspicions paid off Jan. 9, when officers discovered a grow house
valued at half-a-million dollars.

"I think it's really freaky and scary," said the resident, who has
lived on the street for 28 years. "It's very disheartening."

The woman, who has had her home broken into twice, said she's
contemplated moving out of her home of almost three decades.

"North York used to be the place to live, but not anymore," she said.
"I don't know what's happening to North York and Toronto."

Malcolm said neighbourhood safety is a concern, as grow house
hazards, such as fire, are a big issue.

"All they care about is the dollar they are going to make," he said.
"We rely on citizens to alert us to possible grow houses. (The
resident) did a great thing and there is no harm in us investigating,
but it takes time to gather evidence. We do need the help of citizens
and anyone who suspects a grow house should phone police."

SIGNS OF A MARIJUANA GROW HOUSE

- - The house does not appear lived in. Someone occasionally attends
the residence and only stays for short periods of time.

- - Activity inside the house seems to take place at odd hours. Items
are moved in and out of the residence at odd hours.

- - The exterior appearance of the property is not cared for on a regular basis.

- - Persons often back into the garage and enter the home this way.

- - Garbage is minimal and may contain used soil and plant material.

- - Windows are covered.

- - Bright light can be seen escaping from windows. Windows are often
covered with condensation.

- - Sounds of interior construction may be heard.

- - Timers may be set inside the residence.

- - Marijuana homes can produce a strong skunk-like odour.

- - Items being brought into the house include soil, planters, fans and
large lights.

- - Garbage bags are taken out of the home and transported away.

- - A grow house may not have snow on the roof when others homes in the
area will.

- - There are unusual amounts of steam from vents.

- - Toronto Police Service's 42 Division