A cannabis farm stood out a mile when police used a thermal imaging camera to look into reports of drug dealing.

After hearing concerns about dealing, violence and anti-social behaviour in Hendon, officers used a drone with a camera that shows the heat coming off objects and homes.

The footage showed one house in an otherwise dark terrace in Parade Street glowing white, helping officers to apply for a search warrant.

When police raided the house on June 13, they found more than 150 cannabis plants up to six feet high, along with lights and heating systems to grow them indoors. The electricity supply to the house had also been bypassed.

More than 150 mature cannabis plants up to six feet high were found in a property in Hendon after locals sniffed a problemMore than 150 mature cannabis plants up to six feet high were found in a property in Hendon after locals sniffed a problem (Image: Met)

Nobody was in the property at the time of the warrant and investigations are underway to locate those responsible.

Sergeant Darren Brain, who leads a local team of officers in Hendon, added: “People have told us they are worried about the impact drug dealing has on the local area, so we will continue to prioritise stamping it out.

Drone image showing white roof in Parade Street, HendonDrone image showing white roof in Parade Street, Hendon (Image: Met)

“Gangs involved in dealing drugs regularly exploit the most vulnerable in society and cause them significant harm and upset. I would encourage anyone with information or suspicions about drug activity to contact us.

“Police Community Support Officers from my team have spoken to local residents and businesses to reassure them following the warrant.

"If you see us out and about, please come over and speak to us."

Cannabis farms pose a serious risk of fire and structural damage due to high levels of heat they require and the unsafe electricity supplies that are set up, Scotland Yard says.

How to spot a cannabis farm

There are a number of tell-tale signs to look out for. These are:

  •  Strong potent odours
  • Equipment being taken into a property such as soil, lighting, buckets, insulation
  • Covered or blocked off windows
  • People coming and going at all hours or neighbours you never see
  • Strong and constant lighting
  • High levels of heat and condensation on the windows
  • Constant ventilation noise
  • An electricity meter that has been tampered with and excessive electricity bills.
  • Cannabis farms produce a lot of heat. Be wary of a property without a snow-covered roof after snowfall.

Sgt Brain added: “The easiest way to report crime quickly is via our website or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers. In an emergency, always call 999.”