Northland District Headquarters
Walton Plaza, Whangärei
Friday December 9, 2011

Northland Police are appealing to farmers and other rural residents to be on the look out for cannabis plots and suspicious activity associated with the drug.

The growing season for cannabis has started with many of the plants being grown in rural areas.

As part of the call for rural residents to be on the look out for cannabis growing operations, Police will be delivering a flyer around Northland, which details what people should be looking for and who to contact if they notice suspicious activity.

Detective Sergeant John Miller says farmers and other rural residents need to be vigilant at this time of year, as cannabis growers often steal equipment to use in their plots.

"Equipment can include quad bikes, electric fence units and fertiliser. Cannabis growers are also known to cut fences, so they can get to their plots."

Mr Miller is also urging retailers, particularly rural supply companies, to be on the look out for people, who are not regular customers, buying large amounts of fencing equipment and plant nutrients.

He says farmers and other rural residents should take note of any unusual vehicles, people coming and going, and unusual lights at night.

"If people notice suspicious activity they should get vehicle registration numbers, and other vehicle details such as make, model and colour.

They should also take note of the location and time that the activity is occurring."

If people haven't got a legitimate reason for being in the area then they are likely to be cannabis growers."

Mr Miller says Police are appealing to the public not to "turn a blind eye" to cannabis growing, as it has a harmful effect on everyone in the community from the damage it causes to young people through to associated crime such as burglary.
"People who grow cannabis can also be dangerous and will go to any lengths to protect their plots, such as booby traps and poison."

Every year the annual crime and cannabis operation nets thousands of plants and Police arrest several offenders, however Police say to reduce the amount of cannabis in the community, and the crime that goes with it, they need the help of the public.

"We cannot do it alone and need communities to be on the look out. If people want to be and feel safer they need to report this crime to Police."

If anyone has information relating to cannabis growing or dealing then they can contact their local Police station in confidence or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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