POLICE ASK PUBLIC TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR GROW OPS

Oxford OPP officers are asking area landowners, hikers and nature
enthusiasts to be on the lookout for drug activity in the great
outdoors this summer.

Because of the large rural areas in the county, police rely on tips
from the public about possible outdoor marijuana grow operations.

The OPP are asking people to keep an eye open for signs of marijuana
activity on their property.

These signs can include:

. Suspicious vehicles, persons and activity noticed in isolated rural areas;

. Litter or food where it shouldn't be;

. Trailers or tents in an area where there is no recreational activity;

. Bags of fertilizers and potting containers;

. Evidence that brush or trees have been cut, but not for firewood;

. Tools for cultivation left out, and

. Signs of irrigation, such as tubing or plastic piping.

While the police are asking for the public's help, they are warning
people not to intervene if they see people possibly planting
marijuana or approach a suspected planting.

People planting marijuana could react violently if discovered. Also,
marijuana grow ops are often booby-trapped and could injure people
who investigate them.

Instead, the police are asking the public to make a note of the
suspect area's location, including, if possible, GPS co-ordinates,
and report it to the authorities.

Also, the public is asked to note the description and licence plate
numbers of any suspicious vehicles they see.

Marijuana, like all crops, relies on water to flourish, so grow ops
are often located near water sources such as creeks, rivers and ponds.

Anyone spotting a suspect marihuana grow is asked to contact the
Oxford County OPP at 519-688-6540, your local police service or Crime
Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.