Police close down cannabis factory in Thatcham

A warrant was executed at an address in Rydal Drive yesterday (Monday) and 374 plants were found

POLICE swooped on a cannabis factory in a residential property in Thatcham yesterday (Monday) after receiving information from a member of the public.

A warrant was executed at an address in Rydal Drive at 8.10am, and police found it was being used to cultivate cannabis. A total of 374 plants were found (pictured).

Det Con Jonathan Coogan, of Newbury Priority Crime Team, said: “Acting on information received, police attended and discovered the property was being used as a cannabis factory. Almost the whole of the house and garage was being utilised for the cultivation of several hundred plants of various maturity. One person was arrested at the house.

“Vigilant members of the local community led to the discovery and decommissioning of a local cannabis factory in a residential street.

“Signs that a property may be used as a cannabis factory include a strong smell, noise (a buzzing noise could indicate the presence of a fan or heaters), curtains or blinds that are constantly drawn, windows which are warm to touch and people constantly coming and going.

“If you are a landlord, you should thoroughly vet anyone wishing to rent your property by checking references and identification, and use a reputable agent. You should also monitor electricity usage at the property as drug cultivation requires high levels of power.”

A 28-year-old Thatcham man was arrested following the raid and was due to appear before West Berkshire Magistrates Court today (Tuesday).