CommunitySafe.gov.uk

Many of you will recall the discovery, by Merton Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team, of a cannabis factory in Circle Gardens, Merton Park, early in December of 2009. A male was arrested in the premises at the time, on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis, when around 400 plants were discovered in the premises. Since that time the male has been held on remand pending court trial. We are now able to report that Mr Duc Van VO, a 22 year old male has been found guilty of the offence and has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. Mr Van VO is a foreign national. He has also been recommended for automatic deportation from the UK. Sgt Harman said “ I stated at the time that this arrest had helped to disrupt criminal activity in South London. This sentence, and deportation order, underline that the Criminal Justice System as a whole will not tolerate the manufacture, supply or use of cannabis, or other controlled drugs “ Those who seek to grow cannabis on a commercial scale will often seek the cover of less busy, residential areas to do so. The renting of private homes is not an unusual cover. It is therefore local residents who are likely to be first to notice the small signs, that something may be out-of-place. Key things to look for are > Windows being sealed or shuttered or curtains and blinds permanently drawn. > Homes being unoccupied for long periods with erratic visits to the premises at unusual times. > Large amounts of soil, compost or flower pots at an address, perhaps dumped in gardens. > At this time of year, an absence of frost or snow on the roof of the house when adjacent homes have those ( The ‘factories’ can generate large amounts of heat and so melt snow or frost, or prevent it from forming on the roofs of houses ) If residents have any suspicions at all, they are urged to either contact their local Safer Neighbourhoods Team ( Merton Park 0208 721 2451 ) or to contact Crimestoppers in complete confidence on 0800 555 111. The Crimestoppers call can be anonymous and is free.