Ipswich Police have located and closed down two cannabis factories in two days thanks to help from the public.

The first factory was found at 9.45am Wednesday 3rd December 2008 in Felixstowe Road, Ipswich. A warrant was executed and approximately 1000 cannabis located in an out building.

The second factory was found at 8.45am Thursday 4th December 2008 in Lister Road, Ipswich. A warrant was executed and approximately 841 cannabis plants recovered.

Detective Inspector Steve Clabburn of Ipswich Drugs Team, said: “Nationally there has been an increase in the number of cannabis factories being uncovered by police. In Suffolk we too are seeing this trend, with more being uncovered each year.

“Many of the factories are detected after suspicions are raised by members of the local community and we are appealing for everyone’s help in cracking down on this illegal practice.

“These premises are a danger not only because the drugs that are grown will then be sold on our streets, but also because the premises themselves can potentially be a hazard. It is often the case that the electricity supply has been tapped into by these criminals, with exposed wiring to bypass the meter.

”I would appeal for anyone who suspects a cannabis factory has been set up in their community to get in touch with us immediately. By working together we can help to crackdown on this illegal and damaging activity.”

The following tips may help people identify a cannabis factory:
· The windows of the property are permanently covered from the inside
· Visits to the property occur at unusual times of the day or night
· People often do not live in the premises and only visit to maintain them
· There may be a vent protruding through the roof or a rear window
· There may be a pungent smell coming from the premises
· There may be noise coming from the equipment, such as cooling fans
· A large amount of pots and lights may be moved into the premises when the factory is set up
· In terraced houses, shared walls may appear wet to the touch
· Large amounts of soil and pots in back gardens

And landlords beware, says DI Clabburn: “Many of these criminals are renting a property and then turning them into cannabis factories and in the process are causing thousands of pounds of damage. If you are offered more than the rental price for the property, then it probably is too good to be true.”

If you suspect that a premises is a cannabis factory, please contact police on 01473 613500. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you are worried about your drug or alcohol use, or that of a friend or relative, then call the Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) helpline on 01473 299640 between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday to get advice and information.

For more information about drugs log-on to the FRANK website: www.talktofrank.com or phone 0800 77 66 00.