Ongoing problems with a property
Community members are often the eyes and ears of the police, especially when it comes to a problem property. If you notice suspicious or possibly criminal activity in your neighbourhood, call the police. To report it anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477.
You should always use common sense and practice safety when dealing with a problem property in your neighbourhood. It may not be a good idea to approach or enter the property as you do not know who is living there or if they have animals to protect the house. You could get yourself into a very dangerous situation. It is better to make the call to police and let them know about the property.
Recognizing a drug house in your neighbourhood
Drug sales often happen in homes. There are many signs to look for when trying to identify a drug house:
- Many short visits to the house or location by people in vehicles, on bicycles, and/or on foot, and happening at odd hours such as in the middle of the night
- Money or small packages being exchanged
- Visitors often bring personal property and leave without it
- Occupants seem paranoid, unfriendly, or secretive and there are people who seem to be acting as lookouts
- Shades or blinds are always closed
- Unusually extensive security measures around the house
- Drug paraphernalia at or near the location, such as very small zip-lock plastic baggies, small bundled or twisted pieces of cellophane, small pieces of balloon, hypodermic needles and needle caps or small glass vials or pipes
- High levels of theft in the surrounding area
Dangers of a marijuana grow-op
Grow houses can have structural, fire and air quality dangers associated with them, as well as attracting criminals to your neighbourhood. Because grow-ops use a great deal of electricity, holes are often drilled in the foundation to allow residents to steal utilities. Lives wires are also often left exposed, causing a fire hazard. Excess moisture from the heat and humidity of the operation can result in the formation of mould and the rot of window and door frames, sometimes causing severe structural damage. Finally, air quality can be damaged because of the use of chemicals and fertilizers. All of these things are dangerous to the next tenant or owner of a house, so reporting a grow house is important.
More information on the damage cause by grow houses can be found on the OPS website at:
http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/ServingOttawa/SectionsAndUnits/Drugs/types_of_damage.aspx
How to recognize a marijuana grow-op
A grow house will often not have a “lived-in” feel to it, as many operations do not have people living inside. The house may also have covered windows, excessive moisture on windows and possibly even strong, earth and rot smells coming from it. Residents may notice power surges as grow houses will usually steal electricity from the grid to power their operations. Many different visitors may be coming and going at odd hours.
If you notice any or all of these signs, report the property to police by calling 613-236-1222, ext. 7300 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 613-233-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-222-8477.
More information on how to recognize a grow house can be found on the OPS website at:
http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/ServingOttawa/SectionsAndUnits/Drugs/grow_operation.aspx
Crime Prevention Ottawa also provides safety tips in its publication “Safety and Security in Rental Buildings: An Information Guide for Ottawa’s Residential Landlords” which can be accessed at: http://crimepreventionottawa.ca/uploads/files/landlord-web-Aug09-e.pdf
Needle pick-up
If you find discarded needles in your neighbourhood, you should call 3-1-1 to report it. For more information about what the City of Ottawa is doing about discarded needles, visit:
http://www.city.ottawa.on.ca/residents/health/environments/needles/index_en.html.
