If the property next door has covered windows, the sounds of electrical humming, fans and trickling water, you may be living beside a grow-op.
The Burnaby RCMP is issuing tips to homeowners on how to identify suspected marijuana grow operations and what to do if you suspect a grow-op nearby.
The Burnaby RCMP's marijuana enforcement team is a dedicated, specially trained unit which investigates drug related crimes. One of the mandates of the team is to aggressively investigate marijuana grow operations in the community.
"Investigators receive around three to four tips per week on suspected marijuana grow operations in Burnaby," Burnaby RCMP Cpl. Brenda Gresiuk said in a press release. "This year alone, they have dismantled 17 (grow-ops) and are actively investigating between 20 to 30 marijuana grow-ops at any given time.
"The tips come from CrimeStoppers, B.C. Hydro, anonymous calls to the main detachment and from general duty members who get information first-hand from members of the public."
Sgt. Scott Rintoul, who heads the marijuana enforcement team, said: "Often by the time we receive a tip, the citizen has observed a long pattern of events which results in the call to the police.
"In order to meet the high expectations of the courts in prosecuting these cases, the investigators must start at the beginning and develop the grounds to obtain a search warrant. This is very labour-intensive but the tips are extremely helpful in developing a plan on how to tackle the problem property."
For more information, go to http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/fio-ofi/grow-ops-culture-eng.htm. If you have information about a marijuana grow op in your neighborhood, you can anonymously supply information by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by calling the Burnaby RCMP at 604-294-7922.
Here are some tips on how to spot a potential marijuana grow house:
* Covered windows - Heavy curtains pressed against the windows or blinds that are tightly shut and pressed against the windows in order not to let any light in or out. Some experienced cultivators will camouflage windows with window boxes on the inside and insert a small lamp inside the box to disguise the covered windows.
* Condensation - Humidity inside a grow room is approximately 65 per cent, with temperatures ranging between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a perfect environment for mold and condensation.
* Smell of growing marijuana - It can best be described as the unique smell of rotting cabbage or skunk-like odor mixed with a sweet vegetative smell.
* Sounds of electrical humming, fans or trickling water - Some of the electrical components in an indoor operation create humming sounds, similar to a transformer on a hydro pole, which can sometimes be heard from the neighbor's property. Also, listen for fans as well as trickling water.
* Bright lights - High intensity 1,000-watt lamps are normally used for indoor grows and are sometimes not completely disguised.
* Discarded equipment - Growers sometimes leave equipment lying around the yard, such as nutrient containers, pots, tubing or garbage.
* Beware of dog signs or guard dogs - Used to deter trespassers and to protect against theft or detection.
* Rental properties - Almost all marijuana growers will utilize rental property to avoid damage to their own properties. Landlords should be diligent in inspecting their rental properties screen tenants carefully and be suspicious of tenants who insist on paying rent in cash.
* Unusual visitor behaviour - When compared to the average homes in the area, you might note inconsistencies in visitors to and from the residence, such as no visitors which gives the appearance of seclusion.
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