POLICE have warned the community to be “vigilant” after two incidents of dumped hydroponic equipments within a week, including one at a Kaleen school.

On Monday police located a large amount of hydroponic equipment and drug paraphernalia including liquid fertiliser, hydroponic bulbs, ducting, fans and potting mix dumped next to bins at Kaleen High School.

Criminal Investigation detectives also uncovered a ‘grow house’ in Macgregor on Friday, where they seized 94 cannabis plants.

Following the two discoveries, police encouraged the public to be aware of activities occurring in their neighbourhood and signs that houses may be operating as a ‘grow house’ or manufacturing illegal drugs.

Indicating factors include suspicious people or behaviour, strange or chemical-type smells coming from the home, blocked off windows and unkempt gardens, house is extremely well-lit indoors at all hours, ventilation fittings are erected on the roof and there are hoses and pipes being used for water and ventilation supply.

Detective Sergeant Shane Scott says the benefit for Canberrans to be aware of indicating factors to suspicious activity is invaluable to police.

“We encourage neighbours to get to know each other,” he says.

“If there is a lack of occupancy in the home, the occupants remain very secretive or people frequent the premise intermittently, these may be signs that the house is being used for something other than a home.”

Police are seeking assistance from anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity near the dumpster bins at Kaleen High School at the weekend or have information that could relate to this investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website on www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.