POLICE have launched a campaign to help clamp down on cannabis factories in rented properties.

As part of national Tackling Drugs Week, officers will be issuing property management companies and estate agents around Waltham Forest with guidance on what to look out for.

Sergeant Craig McCann, of the Wood Street Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “It's rented accommodation that's being used by criminal gangs.

“Estate agents across the borough are being given information on how to spot a cannabis factory.”

Signs include paying rent up front in cash, tampering with electricity supplies, blacked-out windows and sudden jumps in electricity bills.

Agents are also being warned to be wary of tenants who will not allow them access to properties.

Sgt McCann added: “These things don't appear overnight. It can take months to get to a point where crops can be harvested.

“If management agencies feel they need assistance visiting addresses, they can always ring us.”

Leaflets sent out to estate agents and management companies also include images of the type of equipment used for growing cannabis and producing other drugs such as crystal meth.

The information is based on a pilot scheme run by Derbyshire police.

“This is ongoing beyond this week,” Sgt McCann said.

“It's about prevention and detection.”

Officers also distributed information on the dangers of drug abuse in Walthamstow Town Square today (Monday).

Working in partnership with outreach programmes such as 722, which targets young people up to the age of 19, they handed out leaflets on drug dealing and drug abuse.

“It's about getting the message out,” Sgt McCann said.

“People with drug dependency often steal to fund their habit – drugs fuel crime and we need to channel people into organisations who can help wean them off.”