Cannabis smokers enjoying a puff down by the canal risk being caught by the police.
Officers are increasing checks along the Grand Union near Widewater Lock, in South Harefield, following reports of people using the drug there.
Harefield Safer Neighbourhoods Team increased its vigilance in the area after sightings of people apparently smoking cannabis by the canal.
Inspector David George, who leads the team, is encouraging anyone who sees either drug use or drug dealing to report it
“I want to hear any rumour or story about drug dealing and take it for intelligence,” he said.
“We will research every bit of evidence, and we can use it to help secure search warrants. If we can crack down on drugs that will greatly reduce crime in the area.”
Doreen McIntyre, who lives near the lock regularly smells cannabis smoke from her garden.
“I don’t want the area to become a haunt for this kind of thing and am particularly worried that the area may become a dealing spot too,” she said.
Last week, a group of mature Leylandii trees that screened a popular rest stop near the lock was cut down, making the site more open.
“The grassy area has a picnic table and bench and until this week was really secluded, possibly making it an attractive spot for the cannabis smoking that has been causing concern recently,” said Ms McIntyre.
She is unhappy with the unannounced felling of the trees, but admitted it may help deter cannabis smokers now the picnic bench is open to view from a nearby office block.
Drug use can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, by calling police on 101 or by speaking to the neighbourhood team on 020 8721 2544.
Concerns are likely to be discussed at the next Harefield Tenants’ and Residents’ Association meeting on Monday in the Park Lane Village Centre, starting at 8pm.
