NINETEEN cannabis farms containing 1,617 plants worth £1.6million were seized in the borough during last year.

Now a crackdown is being launched by Merseyside Police, which is urging the public to help them build on the 11 cannabis farms that have already been found this year.

Officers on foot will be assisted by police dogs, latest technology and the national police air service to tackle the problem. Warrants will be executed at properties across the county.

Police will also visit retailers, such as DIY stores and garden centres, to raise awareness of the types of purchases made by these criminals. They will also be speaking to letting agencies and landlords, as many cannabis growers take advantage of short-term tenancy agreements to grow the drug.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Richardson, said: “Criminal groups involved in the cultivation of cannabis are usually involved in other serious organised crime and use violence, intimidation and exploitation of vulnerable people to keep their illicit businesses going.

“We know that disputes over the supply of cannabis have been responsible for violent assaults and even shootings so we are determined to take these farms out of action.

“During the next fortnight, we will aim to disrupt the activity of criminal gangs who are intent on bringing these highly dangerous farms into our communities.

“The growing of cannabis brings dangers to neighbouring properties because cannabis farms pose a very serious fire risk.

“These groups are only interested in making money, and have no regard for the communities they operate in.

“Nobody wants this and we would ask that if anyone believes someone is using a property for this purpose, please tell us so we can take positive action and find those responsible.”

Some of the signs include; strange smells and sounds, frequent and varied visitors to a property at unusual times, gardening equipment being taken into a property, permanently sealed or covered windows and excessive heat from the property.

Individually these activities may seem commonplace but a combination could highlight a problem, police warn.

Anyone with information can call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.