A crackdown on cannabis cultivation has started in Barnsley after police launched a month-long operation to tackle the borough-wide problem.
Operation Barracuda has been set up to target individuals growing cannabis and educate the public so they can be on the lookout for signs in their area.
Since January 1, the Barnsley force has already dismantled 28 cannabis set-ups but believes more can still be done to stop it.
Det Chf Insp Mark Wilkie said the operation will run throughout May.
"We will be targeting individuals who think it is acceptable to grow cannabis, whether this is a few plants for personal use, or 600 plants in a warehouse.
"The cultivation of cannabis brings unwanted criminality into the area, not only by people breaking into houses where they believe cannabis is being grown, to steal the plants or cash, but also with people coming and going from the properties to buy cannabis.
"There is also an increased risk of fire in properties where cannabis is being grown, as they usually tamper with electricity and use high intensity lights.
"This is not only dangerous to them, but to people living in the surrounding areas."
Police are also asking the public to be vigilant and look out for signs of people growing cannabis, such as a strong smell or an increase of people coming to and from properties.
Det Ch Insp Wilkie said: "The operation is based on information we have received, and we will be visiting the people we believe are growing cannabis.
"However, we still need the public's help to catch more people who are committing this crime.
"I would urge anybody with information, or even if they are just suspicious about a property in their area, to come forward. We will always act on information we receive."
It follows a 'scratch and sniff' campaign launched by Crimestoppers in March where a number of 'scratch and sniff' cards were handed out to the public to help them spot and detect cannabis farms by recognising the smell of cannabis when it is growing.
• Contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
