Officer-in-charge of the Young Police Station Inspector Ashley Holmes said the two-day 2012 anti-drugs campaign “Take a Stand” specifically targeted the cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis within the Cootamundra Local Area Command (LAC).

He says the Young police force were always working to combat the growing, use and supply of prohibited substances.

“We often go through licensed premises and run regular operations which has shown cannabis is the most commonly detected drug in Young, but that’s not to say we don’t find others,” he said.

“But our juicier operations often are ongoing, require substantial effort, use a lot of time and take a lot of manpower,” Inspector Holmes said.

That’s where the community is being asked to pitch in.

Inspector Holmes has asked locals to keep an eye on people living in rural and remote areas such as State Forests, National Parks and private properties.

“Especially those carrying items such as water tanks, mesh netting, fertiliser and car tyres,” he said, “people who witness suspicious behaviour are asked to let police know about possible crop sites indicated by fenced off areas, water pipes, generators, cannabis plants and camp sites.

“We are hoping the people on the street can be our ears and eyes when we’re not around – particularly in rural areas,” Inspector Holmes said.

In urban areas the community is asked to report suspicious behaviour such as lights on for long periods of time, covered windows, unusual smells, large number of people and vehicles coming and going from the premises.

“The seemingly insignificant information could just be what pieces our jigsaw together and allows us to arrest and charge those responsible,” Inspector Holmes said.

As part of “Take a Stand” Cootamundra LAC rural crime investigator Detective Senior Constable Archie French is urging locals to call him directly at Cootamundra Station today.

“With the information we receive we will work with our intelligence to find out what is going on out on the streets,” he said.

Detective Senior Constable French can be contacted between 5pm and 9pm tonight on the following numbers: 6942 0060, 6942 0061, 6942 0062 and 6942 0063.

Anyone with information outside the allocated operation hours are encouraged to call Young Police Station on 6382 8199. People can remain anonymous when reporting such crimes.