Man arrested after Bootle cannabis farm discovery

We have dismantled a cannabis farm in Bootle following a report of a disturbance outside the property yesterday (Wednesday 14 February).
 
Officers attended the address on Stanley Road, near its junction with Keble Road, after it was reported there had been a disturbance involving three men.
 
A containment was placed on the premises and officers entered at about 10pm. 
 
Following a search, a cannabis farm was found with 430 in one of four growing rooms. They were seized alongside growing equipment. The electricity was also found to have been bridged, and was made safe.
 
A 37-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of burglary at the scene and following the discovery of the cannabis farm, he was further arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis.
 
He has been taken into custody for questioning.

Cannabis Dismantling Team Manager Matt Brown said: "As always with such cannabis farms, a significant risk has now been removed from the local community.
 
"Fire, floods and violent crime all result from such set-ups, so it is vital that people are aware of the signs that cannabis is being grown in your area, and highlight concerns to us as soon as possible.
 
"People who use cannabis in any quantity might think they are doing no real harm to others, but each and every ounce purchased lines the pockets of organised criminals in Merseyside, and encourages them to continue to exploit vulnerable people and to use fear and violence to maintain their illicit trade.”
 
A video in which Matt explains how you can spot signs of cannabis being grown near where you live can be found here - https://youtu.be/rc59i2dsZHM
 
Some of the signs that cannabis is being grown are:
- Strange smells and sounds
- Frequent and varied visitors to a property, often at unusual times
- Gardening equipment being taken into a property, such as plant pots, fertiliser, fans and industrial lighting
- Windows are sealed and covered or the curtains are permanently closed
- Heat from an adjoining property
- Birds gathering on a roof in cold weather
 
If you saw any suspicious activity on Stanley Road close to the junction with Stanley Road on Wednesday, contact us @MerpolCC quoting reference 24000173975 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is progress.