Police call for West Berkshire residents to watch out for cannabis factories in their neighbourhoods

Thames Valley Police has issued a guide to help people spot potential cannabis factories in their community.

The force says that those growing the crops often have links to serious crime, with the drugs trade fuelling violence between different groups.

It wants people to look out for signs that the plants are being cultivated in homes.

They include blacked out windows, condensation on the windows, and bright lights in rooms throughout the night.

The growers may also tamper with electricity meters or add cabling, sometimes from street lighting.

There may be frequent visitors, day and night, including people delivering heaters, lighting and gardening equipment such as plant pots, chemicals, fertilisers, and compost.

Anyone with information about a potential cannabis factory or drug dealing can report this via Thames Valley Police’s website, www.thamesvalley.police.uk, or via 101.

Alternatively, anonymously contact the charity Crimestoppers by visiting its website crimestoppers-uk.org or calling 0800 555 111.