NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH TIPS ON SPOTTING HOME-GROW OPERATIONS

Today I want to write and educate you on something that is relatively new
for most of us: spotting marijuana home-grow operations

It is estimated that in the Waterloo Region there is a home grow operation
within a 10-minute walk from every urban home.

In an 18-month period, the Waterloo Regional Police Service Drug Unit
dismantled over 85 home-grow operations and seized marijuana worth over $18
million. However, the trend continues.

A marijuana home-grow operation is a house that has been modified in order
to grow large amounts of marijuana.

This marijuana is sold on the street by criminal organizations.

Sophisticated and significant structural changes are made in order to
supply light, water and ventilation to the plants.

These changes make the house uninhabitable for any future residents without
major repairs.

Home-grow operations are found in all types of neighbourhoods.

In fact, large homes are preferred because they provide a large grow capacity.

Here are some of the signs:

* Residents only attend the home occasionally for short periods of time;

* Equipment such as large fans, lights, plastic plant containers and soil
are carried in at odd hours;

* Often the exterior of the property is untidy;

* Entry into the home is often made through the garage door to conceal
activities;

* Often the garbage bags containing used soil and plant material are
discarded in surrounding areas;

* Windows are covered to prevent light from entering the home to conceal
the activities;

* Hydro meters are tampered with;

* Sometimes sounds of construction and ventilation fans can be heard.

* The growing of marijuana produces a strong skunk-like odour that can
often be detected outside of the home.

The dangers connected are:

* Fire and health dangers to surrounding homes due to the unsafe use of the
electricity and chemicals;

* Illegal electrical bypasses charging the ground can create shock or
electrocution hazards;

* A home-grow operation steals electricity worth $1,000 per month;

* There is a risk of violence and crime in neighbourhoods linked with
illegal activities;

* Emergency responders are exposed to hazardous conditions.

If you suspect that there is a home-grow operation or theft of hydro in
your neighbourhood, contact the Waterloo Regional Police at 650-8500, ext.
585, or leave a message at 650-8585 or Waterloo regional Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS.

All information is strictly confidential.