Here is what you can do if you think your neighbours are smoking weed

While some people may not be bothered about their neighbours smoking cannabis in their own homes, others find it particularly annoying.

The smell is hard to miss and even harder to get rid of, but there are steps you can take.

Call the police

Although some people think it is perfectly legal to smoke cannabis in their own home, being found in possession of Class B drug is punishable by up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Police forces and partners have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to ‘take action to improve the quality of life for communities who are affected’.

However, they have stressed that their best method of tackling the problem is by help from the public.

A police spokesperson said: “Local residents are often best placed to see on a daily basis whether their neighbours are behaving suspiciously and could be in possession of, cultivating or supplying drugs in their homes.”

But, this doesn’t mean that your neighbours will automatically know it was you that alerted police to problem.

Police also insisted that will never tell people information came from a neighbour and sometimes will use the tip-off as a starting point on areas they’ll patrol.

As a result, they may smell cannabis themselves and knock on the door.

Call Crimestoppers

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously if they think your neighbours are smoking or cultivating cannabis.

A spokesperson said: “If you spot any of the signs that there may be a cannabis farm in your community you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use our Anonymous Online Form.

“You will not be asked any personal details and neither your telephone number nor IP address will not be traced or recorded.”

What to do if your neighbours rent?

If your neighbours rent their property, contact the landlord about your concerns - however, there are constraints as to what they can do.

A police spokesperson said: “If you own or let a property you need to be aware of your responsibility to ensure cannabis is not grown on your premises.

“Consequences of allowing cannabis cultivation include reduction in property values, increased insurance premiums, hostile tenants, and up to 14 years imprisonment and a criminal record.”

If a landlord suspects the use of cannabis on their property, they can arrange a visit as long as they have warned their tenant they will be doing so.

However, landlords are not bound to keep your tip-off anonymous like the police will do.