ACT Policing is urging the Canberra community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood following the discovery of dumped hydroponic equipment this week.
On Monday (12 November) police located a large amount of hydroponic equipment and drug paraphernalia including liquid fertiliser, hydroponic bulbs, ducting, fans and potting mix which were discarded next to bins in Kaleen.
This is the second incident where police have located hydroponic equipment within a week, after Criminal Investigation detectives uncovered a ‘grow house’ in Macgregor on Friday (9 November) seizing 94 cannabis plants.
Following these two discoveries, ACT Policing is encouraging the public to be aware of activities occurring in their neighbourhood and signs that houses may be operating as a ‘grow house’ or manufacturing illegal drugs.
Indicating factors include suspicious persons or behaviour, strange or chemical-type smells coming from the home, blocked off windows and unkempt gardens, house is extremely well-lit indoors at all hours, ventilation fittings are erected on the roof and there are hoses and pipes being used for water and ventilation supply.
Detective Sergeant Shane Scott said the benefit for Canberrans to be aware of indicating factors to suspicious activity is invaluable to ACT Policing.
“We encourage neighbours to get to know each other. If there is a lack of occupancy in the home, the occupants remain very secretive or people frequent the premise intermittently, these may be signs that the house is being used for something other than a home.”
“By keeping an eye out, neighbours can assist police in detecting these properties. If things don’t seem right, contact police,” Detective Sergeant Scott said.
Police are seeking assistance from anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity near the dumpster bins at Kaleen High School at the weekend or have information that could relate to this investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website on www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
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