Estimated 500 cannabis plants found in grow following report from member of public

We have unearthed an estimated 500 cannabis plants inside a former bank building in Cheadle following a report from a member of the public.

Officers made the discovery shortly after 3pm yesterday (Thursday 26 September) after receiving a report from someone who could smell cannabis near a building on the high street.

We found between 300 and 500 plants inside, spanning six separate rooms.

A sophisticated electricity bypass was found at the site, which has now been made safe by National Grid.

Inspector Karen Cooke, from the Moorlands local policing team, said: “Reports like this from members of the local community are vital in our continued efforts to tackle organised crime in Staffordshire.

“These grows are often linked to organised crime groups and can present significant fire safety risks to those in the area. They are linked to exploitation of vulnerable people and must be targeted proactively in-order to stop organised criminals from offending on our streets.”

If you’ve got any information that can help with our investigation, call 101, quoting incident 138 of 26 September, or use Live Chat on our website.

We recently worked with the BBC and former-SAS leader Billy Billingham to target the groups responsible for setting up dangerous cannabis grows across Staffordshire. The episode, Series 1: Episode 9, is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.

For tips on how you can spot the signs of a cannabis grow in your area, visit the link here: Cannabis farms | Staffordshire Police