Communities, particularly in rural areas, are being asked to be extra vigilant with the illegal cannabis growing season well underway.

Plants will be at noticeable heights now and the recent warm, dry weather means some effort will be required by offenders to keep crops fed and watered.

Police are asking for the community to report any suspicious activity to help disrupt drug operations in the Bay.

There are a number of signs that may indicate illegal growing is occurring and they include people seen repeatedly going to certain locations at unusual times and shovels, spades and other such equipment being carried into the bush.

Other tell-tale signs are vehicles in rural areas closed to the public or with difficult access, unusual lights in rural areas, distinctive smells coming from rural areas and items going missing from rural properties, such as farm bikes, generators and fencing equipment.

Detective Senior Sergeant Lindsay Pilbrow says: 'Plants will often be planted near a water source, so whether you are on the land, the water or even in air, you are asked to keep your eyes peeled and report any suspicious activity.

'Most people in New Zealand do not want drugs in their communities and don't want their children and loved ones exposed to the misery it causes.

'With the assistance of communities we can continue to disrupt this illegal activity and reduce the social harm that stems from drug dealing and the crimes that are committed to feed drug habits.

'Anyone reporting drug information can be assured what they tell us will be treated in confidence.”

Communities are reminded that not all drug cultivation is in outdoor locations, and indicators of an indoor grow include residents increasing fence heights, curtains closed day and night, shed and garage windows being blocked out and sounds of fans running.

If you have information about drugs cultivation, manufacture or supply ring your local police Station, or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555111.