Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To Report New Neighbours

18 replies

ANewNameForMe · 17/03/2022 22:57

Have NC for this as don’t want to particularly tie this to regular username!

We live in a purpose built block of 8 flats, until now everyone has always been very nice/kept to themselves (ideal). We own our flat and the split is probably about half rent/half owned.

One couple moved out recently, and the flat never went up for rent/sale. Shortly after, a van turned up and people brought in planting trays, tubs etc. Now the windows have been covered with pond liner for the past few days (can see cracks of light). Nobody lives in the flat as far as I can see.

I’m not stupid and it’s pretty obvious what they’re doing - but what is the best way to deal with this? It’s a huge fire hazard, can damage the structure of the building, not to mention clearly illegal. Reporting them would be ideal but nervous about the outcome of this - if it’s obvious someone has reported them? A bit stressed about living super near this to be honest.

OP posts:
Whatthebarnacles · 17/03/2022 23:10

Ring the police?

Chloemol · 17/03/2022 23:10

You phone the police and report it

Nothankyouv · 17/03/2022 23:11

someone was doing that in a flat near me and it exploded - definitely report it.

Whattochoosenow · 17/03/2022 23:12

I’m surprised you needed to post about this when the answer is so obvious.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 17/03/2022 23:15

I agree - ring the police asap.

Whiskersonkittens21 · 17/03/2022 23:17

Definitely ring the police.

PonyPatter44 · 17/03/2022 23:19

If its a big block of flats, surely they won't know its you who reported them? It could be anyone in the block.

BeanStew22 · 17/03/2022 23:23

You can ring the police, they will be VERY interested. It won’t be obvious that it’s a neighbour and certainly not you

FYI: the police have heat detection equipment that they use to identify grow houses

The odd thing is that you didn’t see anyone view to rent etc. indicates to me that it might therefore be family if your old neighbours behind that, but definitely not your problem and much safer for you if it’s gone

Creameggs223 · 17/03/2022 23:33

A house next to me done this they were caught by the smell something had happened in the street and police called the house growing had windows open and the smell was awful police done door to door to find out where it was coming from and found it, so if a fire doesn't break out the smell soon will I would report they will not know who done it.

TabithaTittlemouse · 17/03/2022 23:34

Imagine the electric bill.

HiKelsey · 17/03/2022 23:41

Definitely report it, you can report online now if you're worried about them hearing you when you call or you could call when you're at work

HollowTalk · 17/03/2022 23:44

I don't understand why you haven't reported it already. The ex-owner is going to get landed with a massive electricity bill and you risk being in the building when it blows up!

Backtomyoldname · 17/03/2022 23:50

In the past these indoor farms were more of a fire risk - filament bulbs producing a deal of heat that required ventilation - hence internal ducting, holes on internal ceilings etc. DIY wiring to bypass the meter. They were relatively easy to detect with thermal cameras in Police helicopters.

Fast forward a few years…. LED lighting. These produce masses of light with v little heat. They use little energy so minimising the need to bypass meters, install forced ventilation etc.

However whilst there is less risk of fire etc you still have the problems accompanying the criminality - the owners, their workers/slaves, mates + enemies of the owners. ( this is why we walked away from an ex-cannabis farm house - who will come and pay a visit?)

Involve the Police.

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 18/03/2022 00:14

No need at all to report the neighbours - just report to the police that 'Number 16' appears to be being used as a cannabis farm and leave the rest to them.

They will undoubtedly trace and contact the owner/tenants, who will very likely get into trouble, but that's up to them to deal with - none of your concern to worry about.

I'd also be wary of the possibility that they may have tapped into a communal/another flat's electricity supply - I understand that this is a favourite trick of people who do this. Yes, energy prices are going up, but you don't want to find that your £20/year contribution towards the corridor lights has suddenly gone up to £2,000.

EverNapping · 18/03/2022 00:27

Report it. Can have toes to organised crime, modern day slavery, trafficking, etc. Every report helps the police build up the picture and take action.

NoToLandfill · 18/03/2022 00:29

Phone the police. They are probably stealing your electricity

Penners99 · 18/03/2022 05:58

Police, now.

Original poster
ANewNameForMe · 18/03/2022 06:50

Thanks all for giving my head a wobble - it’s obvious I need to phone the police and will get in touch with the non emergency line today.

Think I was just kind of unreasonably paranoid about being found out as a ‘grass’ and the potential consequences. Sounds dumb in the morning now Blush

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page