Criminal gangs increasingly tapping into local electric supply to power cannabis factories

There's now more than one case a month of criminal drugs gangs illegally connecting to electricity supplies here in the South West.

Greatest Hits Radio has learnt some have dug parts of roads - or connected to on-street power cables - to help power their hydroponics growing factories.

National Grid have told us they're attending at least one incident a month here now - although they stress that remains a low level given they recorded 13 incidents in 2024-25, affecting a network that covers 14,000 sq kms from Cornwall to Bristol and West Dorset.

Devon and Cornwall's Chief Constable James Vaughan says they realised one house in Tedburn St Mary was being used by the gangs as it was so hot the snow had all melted.

He said: "That was a bit of a clue, along with ‘condensated’ windows, curtains closed during the day, frequent visitors to the house and a wire dug under the path leading to the local grid network supply.

"It's so dangerous, it's a fire hazard, it's an electrocution hazard, and on top of that they are stealing electricity from the grid. Not only are they engaged in criminal networks of growing drugs on an industrial scale they are stealing the electricity to power the electronics from all of us who pay our electricity bills.

It comes as on Monday neighbourhood police officers seized and destroyed a total of eight cannabis plants along with growing equipment found at a property in the Heathfield area.

A vulnerable person was also safeguarded as part of the proactive work. Further enquiries into the cannabis grow are currently ongoing.

“Disrupting the production of drugs is a really effective way for us to tackle crime on our streets,” said Police Constable James Deakin, who supported the proactive work.

“My hope is that this reassures the public that police are acting on the information we receive from our communities.

“While you might not always see immediate action following intelligence that is shared with us, the information we receive provides us with key evidence which supports our investigations to pursue those causing harm in our communities.

“This recent seizure in Teignbridge shows just how vital your reports are in helping us to disrupt and deter drug crime, as well as protect people who are vulnerable victims of these crimes.

“We know the negative impact that drugs have on our communities - our officers see the effects of drug crime daily.

“All the information we receive from the public really helps us build a picture of crimes happening in our area. These reports give us the evidence we need to take action, just like this warrant. We’re listening and we’re acting on your concerns. So please continue to come forward and report crime information to us.”