A grow op not only damages the host home, but the community it's set up in. Learn to spot the signs of a grow op.
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Photos courtesy of the Calgary Police Service and the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
If there's a suspicious property in your neighbourhood, do not investigate it yourself or approach the occupants. Please call your local police or Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477.
Exit
Cameras, Floodlights, excess fencing
Marijuana grow ops often have enhanced security to detect investigation by police or to deter break-ins by other criminals. Security measures may include high fences, flood lights, locks on doors, bars on windows, security cameras, and "beware of dog" signs.
Soil and fertilizer, PVC piping, chemicals
Garbage may be stockpiled on the property due to irregular disposal. Garbage may contain some or all of the following items: soil, pots, fertilizer and/or chemical containers, wiring, PVC piping or other construction material.
The property may be untidy inside and outside.
The property may be untidy inside and outside. For example, the interior may look messy, yards may not be maintained through the seasons, there may be uncollected mail or piles of newspapers and flyers by the door.
Skunk-like or Excessive smell "maskers"
The smell of marijuana (a strong skunk-like odour) may occasionally be detected around the home.
Water and/or electrical cords may be visible
Water and/or electrical cords may be visible running to or from the basement or outbuilding where marijuana is grown.
There may be localized power surges and/or brown-outs
There may be localized power surges and/or brown-outs in the neighborhood where a grow operation is present due to the high levels of power required to maintain these operations.
Hydro or electrical meters are often tampered with
Hydro or electrical meters are often tampered with or bypassed, allowing the grow operator to steal the water or electricity required to maintain the marijuana grow op.
Condensation on windows due to humidity
There may be condensation on the windows due to high humidity levels in the home.
Bright lights may be seen from the windows
Bright lights may be seen from some or all of the windows, which may turn on/off at the same time, or may be left on continuously.
Signs of sweating/staining on the siding of the home.
There may be signs of sweating, staining, condensation or "wet spots" on the siding, stucco, or foundations of the home.
May have vents in the roof, windows or unusual locations
Marijuana grow operations may have vents in the roof, windows or unusual locations in the home.
During winter, a marijuana grow operation may not have any snow on its roof.
During winter, a marijuana grow operation may not have any snow on its roof, or there may be extensive melting/steam rising around the roof vents compared to other homes in the area. There may also be icicles hanging from vents, eaves or chimney stacks. This is caused by excessive heat from lighting used to grow the plants.
Props may be used to deter suspicion
Props may be used to deter suspicion and give the impression that the home is lived in. For example, a radio or TV may be left on.
There is minimal furniture in the home.
There is minimal furniture in the home.
Humming sounds may be heard from fans or generators.
Humming sounds may be heard from loud fans, generators or modified venting systems.
Fertilizer & pesticide containers around the property.
Fertilizer and pesticide containers can be found in and around the property.
There may be a buildup of toxic mould on the walls & ceilings.
There may be a buildup of toxic mould on the walls, ceilings, and in the attic as a result of high humidity levels in the home.
Grow operators may use "booby traps" to deter entry to the home
Marijuana grow operators may use "booby traps" to deter entry to the home by thieves and rival criminals, and to injure police officers and first responders.
There may be weapons or other illegal drugs in the home.
There may be weapons or other illegal drugs in the home.
"Crop-sitters" may be hired to live in or visit the home
"Crop-sitters" may be hired to live in or visit the home to maintain the grow operation. These individuals may be connected with organized crime.
Custom electrical systems may be installed
Custom electrical systems may be installed to provide the power needed to maintain the grow operation. This can create a significant fire hazard in the home.
Used to bypass electricity or water meters
Holes may be drilled in the walls or foundation of the home to bypass electricity or water meters.
May drive directly into the garage and immediately close the overhead door
Occupants may drive directly into the garage and immediately close the overhead door in order to hide their activities.
Increase in break & enters, property damage, & assaults.
There may be increased criminal activity in or around the home such as break and enters, property damage and assaults/violence as a result of crop theft.
Occupants may come & go at odd hours or only arrive for short periods of time.
Occupants or visitors may come and go at odd hours, may be at the home for short periods of time, or may rarely be seen. Visitors may drive expensive or suspicious vehicles.
Windows may be covered or blacked out.
Windows may be covered, blacked out or never opened to conceal marijuana grow operation activities in the home.
If there's a suspicious property in your neighbourhood, do not investigate it yourself or approach the occupants. Please call your local police or Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477.
For more information please visit
http://justice.alberta.ca/programs_services/safe/growop/Pages/default.aspx
Photos courtesy of the Calgary Police Service and the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
