A man has been arrested after police found a cannabis factory in a Swindon home.
Officers were deployed to reports of a burglary in progress at a bungalow in Windrush Road, Moredon, on Tuesday night (16 September).
On entering the building, they uncovered a large-scale cannabis grow.
Around 100 plants and associated kit used to cultivate the Class B drug were found.
A man – aged in his 30s – was arrested in connection with the discovery and remains in custody for questioning, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police confirmed.
This morning (Wednesday), forensic investigation work was carried out and a specialist team from Avon and Somerset Police were called in to dismantle the operation.
The equipment from the set-up be taken to a recycling centre, with money made from the sale put back into policing. The cannabis will be destroyed.
A team from SSE, an electricity company, were on scene to make the property safe. Engineers have dug up part of the garden to isolate the connection.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service also sent a specialist officer armed with a with a detection device to ensure the building was free of dangerous chemicals.
Swindon Duty Response Inspector Blake Kennedy said: “This incident is a prime example of the importance of being vigilant in your own neighbourhood and reporting any concerns surrounding suspicious activity at addresses – regular comings and goings, unusual noises throughout the night and distinctive smells are all potential tell-tale signs that criminality may be taking place.
“On this occasion, I am grateful to those neighbours who alerted us to the address which has enabled us to safely dismantle the set up and make an arrest. Our enquiries continue.”
Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54250125708. Alternatively, call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
