PEOPLE power and the Grimsby Telegraph are helping to win the war against drugs in North East Lincolnshire.
Humberside Police praised the newspaper for its role in the latest drugs bust, which led to a seizure of cannabis and an arrest.
The cannabis factory, with up to 50 plants, was being grown just yards from a primary school entrance when officers swooped yesterday. A Grimsby Telegraph reader contacted the newsroom some days prior to the drugs bust in Pinewood Crescent, next to Woodlands Primary School.
The information was immediately passed to a senior officer.
After dropping their children at school, a number of parents stood shocked as police officers swooped on the end terraced property shortly after 9am.
It came after police raided two homes in Pershore Avenue, Grimsby in May and Bridge Gardens, Grimsby last month.
In the wake of the latest police raid, residents near Pinewood Crescent, Grimsby, said they feared for children.
One parent said: "What would happen if a child found a cannabis leaf and ate it?"
Another said: "It is lucky the local vigilantes did not hear about it first otherwise they would have dealt with it in their way."
Humberside Police Sergeant Steve Peck said: "This came about thanks to information from The Telegraph and we have a positive result.
"Cannabis plays a role in antisocial behaviour and if we get information from the community we will do our bit. The way the Telegraph is highlighting it in the newspaper is excellent and encourages people to come forward more with information.
"That way we can act and get the warrants from court. We thank the Telegraph."
All the rooms in the two-storey home were used for cultivating cannabis plants, which included a lighting and heating system.
The property was later boarded up and electrical engineers made the supply safe.
The headteacher of nearby Woodlands Primary School declined to comment on the situation.
A neighbour, who did not wish to be named said: "It is disgusting growing it so close to a school. There are kids up and down that street all day. I have lived around here all my life and the number of apparent drug dealers moving in is disgusting."
Another neighbour said: "I could smell it this morning when they were taking it away. It is disgusting. It should not be going on anywhere near a school.
"It is good the way the police have acted. What might happen if a kid picked up a leaf and ate it?"
Another resident who did not wish to be named said: "I saw all the police cars this morning. Everyone is shocked. Fortunately my daughter did not see what was going on, that is my main concern."
Sergeant Peck urged people to pass on any information about suspicious activity by calling 101 or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Have you ever been affected by criminal activity in your area (anonymous poll)