Police are warning people about cannabis farms
Police are warning people to keep an eye out for properties being used as cannabis farms.
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Public asked to help tackle drug crime
by Marti Errington-Dodds
Members of the public are being asked to be vigilant as more and more premises are being used to cultivate and store drugs in the region.
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Police say biggest drugs seizures are in rural areas
Detective Sergeant Jason Robinson says "some of the biggest drugs seizures we have made
this year have been made in very rural locations across Cumbria"
Community helps with cannabis problem
Cumbria police are urging rural communities to help battle drug problems in the county.
It comes after officers discovered five cannabis farms - some in rural locations - between February and March.
Around £1 million worth of cannabis has been seized and 29 people have been arrested.
Officers are urging farmers and people living in villages to watch out for any suspicious activity in remote buildings.
Cannabis warning
Cumbria Police are appealing to rural communities to help them crack down on drugs. The plea comes after officers discovered five cannabis farms mainly in rural areas, between February and March. It led to the seizure of around £1m worth of cannabis.
Detective Sergeant Jason Robinson said:
"_Some of the biggest drug seizures we have made this year have been made in very rural locations across Cumbria. The recent discoveries of cannabis have removed £1million worth of drugs from our streets and have led to 29 arrests. We are turning to our rural communities for their help to make sure that this sort of organised set-up isn't happening on their doorsteps. Farmers and members of rural communities may not think that criminals would choose to use their neighbourhoods to cultivate drugs but the sad fact is, they do.
_
– Detective Sergeant Jason RobinsonThe nature of rural communities means that farmers and their families often work very unsocial hours. With lambing season underway, farmers are working all hours so they are the eyes and ears we need to spot any suspicious vehicles or comings and goings. Criminals are always on the lookout for opportunities to make money and if you choose to let something that doesn't seem or feel right to you go unreported; then you could also be making your homes, families and property vulnerable."
Police are encouraging farmers and members of rural communities to be aware and keep a lookout for tell-tale signs of properties that may be storing or cultivating drugs.
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