Grampian Police are tackling the ever-growing problem of cannabis cultivation plants, as part of a nationwide campaign.
The force is asking people to keep a lookout for suspicious activity which could signal cannabis cultivation and report any information to the police or the charity Crimestoppers.
Grampian police detective superintendent Campbell Thomson said: "Cannabis cultivation represents a very serious threat to our communities and cannabis remains the most widely misused controlled drug in Scotland."
He was speaking as new figures revealed that Grampian police has detected 17 significant cannabis cultivations and seized more than 8000 cannabis plants worth around £2.5m across the force area since a national crackdown was launched in 2006.
Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill launched a Scotland-wide campaign against cannabis cultivation, involving all eight Scottish police forces, the Scottish crime and drug enforcement agency (SCDEA) and Crimestoppers earlier this week.
The campaign is backed by a two week radio advert campaign on Northsound and adverts are also appearing on Aberdeen buses.
Mr Thomson added: "Those responsible for these highly dangerous cultivations are involved in serious organised crime and they're concerned only about maximising their profits.
"They don't care if other's people's homes go up in smoke as a result of the huge fire risk these cultivations represent, or about the harm caused to local communities as a result of drug misuse.
"Our local communities have a crucial role to play in helping to beat these criminals by looking out for the signs.
"I'd urge everyone to be extra vigilant and to report anything they think is suspicious."
Potential signs of cannabis cultivation include:
- Blacked out windows, occasionally with condensation on them, or curtains or blinds which are permanently closed;
- Premises appear unoccupied most of the time - but people may be seen visiting late at night or into the early hours;
- Visitors to the premises may be seen bringing in building supplies and/or gardening equipment, which may be carried in boxes or suitcases;
- A low level hum or a loud buzzing sound caused by fans or extraction systems;
- A strong, sweet distinctive smell and;
- Unusual levels of heat coming through walls and floors, which may be more noticeable in flats.
Crimestoppers Grampian board chairman, Andrew Lewis added: "Crimestoppers plays a vital role in the fight against crime and we have a long history of working with communities to make them safer and help solve crimes.
"In 22 years of operation as an independent charity, we've never broken that promise. We do not take people's names, we do not trace calls and we don't tape them - all we need is what people know."
Grampian police can be contacted on 0845 600 5 700. Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
