Hartlepool advan to warn about risk of violent drug gangs and cannabis farms

Steve Turner, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Fleur Brown, Crimestoppers North East Regional Manager.

A Crimestoppers advan was out and about across Hartlepool to engage with communities about the harms and dangers associated with organised crime gangs and cannabis cultivation. 

Properties are often taken over by criminal gangs to produce drugs, using violence, exploitation and intimidation. Workers within cannabis farms have often been trafficked and are used as modern slaves.

Cannabis farms pose a serious threat to neighbourhoods as there is a high risk of fatal fires as electricity meters are often bypassed and overloaded.

“All to often we think that crime wouldn’t be happening on our street, but often it can be.  
 
 “Cannabis farms and all illegal drug activity not only has a detrimental effect on communities, but on vulnerable people who are often coerced or exploited into carrying out illegal activities by criminal gangs. These gangs do not care who they exploit or about the violence and damage they bring to communities, their only care is the amount of profit they are making.

“If you have information about criminal drug gangs who are exploiting vulnerable people, suspect a cannabis farm near you or have information on any crime, please contact our charity completely anonymously. Fill out a simple and secure anonymous online form or call freephone 0800 555 111. Our UK Contact Centre is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Information can be translated into over 150 different languages.”

Fleur Brown, Crimestoppers North East Regional Manager