‘Scratch and sniff’ cards to help identify cannabis farms in Nottinghamshire

CRIMESTOPPERS are distributing ‘scratch and sniff’ cards to help residents identify cannabis farms Nottinghamshire.

The cards, which are being posted to homes across the county, contain an element that replicates the smell of cannabis in its growing state.

Nottinghamshire was identified in a 2012 ACPO report as an area with one of the highest number of cannabis farms in the UK.

Crimestoppers director of operations, Roger Critchell, said: “Not many people know how to recognise the signs of cannabis cultivation happening in their neighbourhood, many are also not familiar with links between this crime and serous organised crime.

“Give us information on 0800 555 111 to play your part in keeping our streets safe.”

ACPO’s Andy Bliss said: “Many people don’t realise that the empty, run-down house or flat on their street with people coming and going late at night may actually be a commercial cannabis farm...It’s not just the stereotype of the remote rural set or disused industrial estate unit.”

He added: “These farms are often run by organised criminals and they bring crime and anti-social behaviour into local communities causing real harm and leaving people feeling unsafe.”

The cards will initially be sent to 210,000 homes in cannabis farm ‘hotspots’, but could be sent to many more people in a greater number of locations if they prove to be a success.

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