In furthering the message from a community forum this past weekend on illegal cannabis in the Antelope Valley, the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station this week issued tips for local residents to keep their neighborhoods safe from illegal grow houses.
“Dealing with illegal grow houses is frustrating, lowers property value, brings a criminal aspect to our community and could be dangerous,” officials said in a news release, which listed the top red flags to look out for to identify potential grow houses:
• Immediate indoor construction following the
purchase of a residence.
• Construction occurring during darkness hours
and on weekends.
• Construction primarily inside detached
buildings and garages.
• No move-in of household belongings,
appliances, furniture, etc.
• Middle aged men are the only persons
visiting the residence.
• Luxury vehicles randomly arrive at the
residence.
• Unusual patterns of human activity (persons
seldom there, then an influx of traffic).
• Unusual lighting, such as interior lights
constantly on, or increased security lighting.
• Large diesel generators on the property.
• Additions to detached buildings and garages.
• Installation of air conditioning units.
• Air conditioning units operating in
cold weather.
• Installation of solar panels.
• Installation of solid perimeter fencing,
or security fencing.
• Installation of multiple surveillance cameras.
• Overall lack of care and maintenance for
landscaping.
• The odor of marijuana emitting from
buildings on the property.
• Exterior windows are covered from inside
the residence.
• Large aggressive dogs roaming the property.
• Ventilation ducts installed in odd locations
on the residence.
• Alterations to electrical panels.
“If your neighbor moves in and starts a remodel, it does not mean they are converting the home into an illegal grow house,” the news release states. “But we all know our neighbors and neighborhoods and a combination of some of the points listed above may be worth reporting.”
Residents can assist local law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity to marijuanatips@lasd.org or contacting the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station at (661) 948-8466. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
