'CONCERNED FOR THEIR PERSONAL SAFETY'

Abbotsford's mayor says neighbours who posted signs warning
prospective homebuyers about homes used for marijuana grow-ops might
be risking their safety.

Mayor Mary Reeves said she sympathizes with the residents around
Woodbine, Ash and McKinley streets in east Abbotsford but is "very
concerned for their personal safety."

"Those homes have had a connection with the criminal element of our
society," she said.

Criminals may not like their former activities being advertised --
especially if they get less for their property when they sell.

"That's a scenario that could be real," agreed Reeves.

"The situation is getting somewhat desperate for the citizens of this
province because the judicial system isn't there to support the
efforts of the police departments."

Reg Davies, president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board,
sympathizes with residents but favours home inspections as a way for
buyers to find out about grow-op damage.

Home inspectors "know exactly what to look for," he
said.

"The thing is, for a homeowner, somebody looking for a home, you
should always get a home inspection done.

"You're [spending] $200 to $400 and it's just a ton of money well
spent."

The seller of the property doesn't have to reveal on the property
disclosure statement whether it was used as a grow-op.

"They don't have to disclose that a home has been used for criminal
activity, no matter what that might be," said Davies.

Abbotsford Const. Shinder Kirk said the biggest concern is
safety.

"Our concern is that a home must be structurally sound before someone
buys it and moves in," said Kirk.