CANNABIS FARMS GROW ACROSS CITY

Cannabis farms are growing across Milton Keynes as organised crime
spreads from London say police.

Sixteen cannabis farms have been uncovered this year in Milton Keynes
but Assistant Chief Constable George Wilson believes others remain
undiscovered.

Residents have been urged to report any suspicious activity and
landlords have also been alerted to the possibility of tenants who
convert their properties into farms to cultivate cannabis - an illegal
class C drug.

ACC Wilson said: "Milton Keynes was unaffected until this year but now
it's an increasing problem because of the way organised criminal
groups are spreading from London.

"We know from arrests that a significant amount of farms are run by
Vietnamese individuals.

"We're probably finding most of the farms but there could be others we
don't know about."

According to police the majority of cases involve ordinary terraced or
semi-detached houses which are specifically bought or rented for the
sole purpose of growing cannabis.

Houses are kitted out with special hydroponic equipment which can
produce up to UKP70,000 worth of cannabis every 11 or 12 weeks.

ACC Wilson said: "During the last 12 months Thames Valley Police has
seen a marked increase in Vietnamese linked cannabis houses.

"These farms can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to the
properties.

"In many cases the electricity is by-passed which could cause
electrocution or even a fire." He added that some criminals install
booby traps including window and door frames wired to the
electricity.

In April police uncovered a secret cannabis farm in Bletchley, at the
home of murdered electrician Doug Belcher.

They found UKP10,000 of fully cultivated cannabis plants through a
passage beneath the staircase.

Thames Valley Police have issued a list of warning signs including
windows which are permanently covered from the inside, visitors at
unusual times of the day or night and a pungent smell coming from the
premises.

If you suspect a property is being used as a cannabis factory contact
the police on 08458 505505.