In a concerning trend, organised crime groups are increasingly targeting empty shops and pubs in town centres across the UK to grow cannabis on an industrial scale. Police bosses have reported a significant uptick in such activities over the past year, highlighting the growing challenge for law enforcement agencies.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has revealed that raids have been carried out in dozens of properties, ranging from an old toy shop in Ayr, Scotland, to a former bank in Welshpool, Powys.
The trend shows that criminals are not selective about the types of properties they target, using a wide array of vacant spaces for their illicit operations. Vacant restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, bingo halls, and office buildings have all been repurposed for cannabis cultivation.
One of the most notable cases occurred in Newport, South Wales, where criminals converted several floors of a former department store on the main shopping street into a sprawling cannabis farm. Police discovered over 3,000 cannabis plants growing in the building, underscoring the scale and sophistication of these illegal operations.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Dunlop, speaking on behalf of the NPCC, described the situation as a “significant concern” for police forces nationwide.
He stated, “These criminal gangs are exploiting the economic downturn and the increased number of vacant commercial properties in town centres. They see these empty spaces as an opportunity to set up large-scale cannabis farms, which pose significant risks to public safety and local communities.”
The use of large, vacant properties for cannabis cultivation is particularly troubling for several reasons. Firstly, the sheer volume of cannabis plants being grown in these spaces suggests that the operations are highly organised and capable of producing substantial quantities of the drug.
This not only fuels the illegal drug market but also increases the potential for associated criminal activities, such as trafficking and violence.
Secondly, the modification of these properties to support cannabis cultivation often involves tampering with electrical systems to bypass meters and steal electricity.
This creates significant fire hazards and poses risks to neighbouring buildings and residents. In some cases, properties have been found with extensive damage due to the installation of sophisticated irrigation and lighting systems required for growing cannabis plants indoors.
Police are urging property owners and members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in vacant buildings. DCI Dunlop emphasised the importance of community involvement in tackling this issue.
“We rely on the public to help us identify potential cannabis farms. If you notice unusual activity, such as covered windows, strong smells, or unusual comings and goings, please report it to the police. Your information could be crucial in helping us shut down these dangerous operations.”
The NPCC is also working closely with local councils and property owners to increase security measures in vacant properties. Efforts include improved surveillance, regular property inspections, and better communication between law enforcement and community stakeholders.
As the economic landscape continues to evolve, police anticipate that organised crime groups will persist in exploiting vacant properties. Ongoing cooperation between law enforcement, property owners, and the public will be essential in combating this growing threat and ensuring the safety of town centres across the UK.
