HERE'S A HOME-GROWN SOLUTION TO POT HOUSES

In recent months, Halton Regional Police have raided several homes
throughout Halton where highly-lucrative, home-grown hydroponic marijuana
operations have been discovered.

While some may argue police resources could be better used in targeting
more serious drug operations, the fact remains, using and growing marijuana
is a criminal offence and police should be busting these pot houses.

And let's be honest, the people who operate these marijuana operations
aren't choir boys and are likely involved in other illegal activities.

As reported elsewhere in this newspaper, Halton residents can help officers
shut down pot-growing operations -- which are actually found in
highly-populated middle class neighbourhoods -- by simply being observant.

Clues to look for are houses with covered windows, unusual noises such as
hammering or drilling into the basement foundation, little or no garbage
being put out, houses where the residents show up to shovel snow or cut
grass then leave soon after or people bringing unusual objects like bags of
soil into the house.

Residents who want to report suspicious activity should call Crime Stoppers
at (905) 825-8477. Working with the police, Halton residents can make their
neighbourhoods a safer place to be.