Crime Prevention Tip #4

It's Crime Prevention Week throughout B.C. and Castanet is bringing you tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime. One tip from the B.C. Crime Prevention Association will be posted each day until November 7.

Today's tips are about how to spot a marijuana grow op in your neighbourhood.

Marijuana grow-ops are a public safety risk because they are usually accompanied by property and violent crimes. Growers are often in possession of dangerous weapons and violent guard dogs which pose a danger to the public.

Community Policing Coordinator Al Sismey says Penticton isn't exempt from grow-ops.

"We do receive information about grow-ops around the city. They do exist which could surprise people who consider Penticton to be a relatively small city," says Sismey.

The following is a list of things to keep an eye out for if you suspect there may be a grow op in your neighbourhood.

1)Windows are covered in black plastic or heavy curtains and are never opened during the day.
2)Sounds of electrical humming can be heard at all hours.
3)The neighbourhood experiences 'power surges.'
4)The home has hoses running from doors or windows to the exterior of the home.
5)Discarded equipment such as potting soil and wiring is often thrown out.
6)High amount of visitors that stay only a short time.
7)Residents drive expensive cars but appear not to have a regular job.
8)A skunk-like odor is detectable around a home.

If you do suspect there is a grow-op in your neighbourhood, report it to the RCMP.

Tomorrow's tips deal with identity theft.