17. SECURITY

17.1 SECURITY OUTDOORS

When growing outside a few things can be important:

-          Be aware that a plant can grow up to 2.5 meters high when planted in Spring.

-          Better plant late in the season or use a miniature like LOWRYDER. Small plants will not so easy attract attention.

-          Try to blend with other plants to the point that they are unidentifiable by all but the most observant.

-          When you have a potted plant, put it in a hole. This will reduce size considerable.

-          See also guerrilla farming, chapter 15.

17.2 SECURITY INDOORS

Some security tips for indoor growers:

-          Make sure electricity is done by someone that knows something about it. You do not want the lights to go out in the village where you live.

-          If you have an automatic irrigation system, make sure all water stored can drip on the floor without the fire department smashing in your door.

-          Use a carbon filter to prevent neighbours smelling what you are up to.

-          Windows that are always closed or opened, also when there is a huge storm, will attract attention of the neighbours.

-          When using an apartment with nobody living over there or a business unit without an obvious business going on, neighbours for sure will notice. You need to make use of a cover.

-          Use a muffler behind your air pump (for ventilation). Air pumps can make a huge noise, especially during the night.

-          Make sure nobody knows about your plantation because lots of plantations are ripped.

-          If you buy your equipment in a grow shop, be sure nobody is following you back to your plantation and if possible, make use of a car that is not registered on the address where also the plantation is located. 

-          Undisguised big air outlets will attract the attention of neighbours.

-          If there is a mechanical electricity meter, be aware they make a hell of a noise when you use a lot of electricity.

-          In the plantation can be made a lot noise that attracts attention from the neighbours, think of: buzzing HPS lamps, water pumps, air pumps, magnetic switches and ventilators. 

-          Plantations can be found by police or electricity company by use of equipment that will detect warm spots where no warm spots should be. Sometimes helicopters are used to scan whole neighbourhoods.

-          Inspectors can check the opening of your mailbox, if connected to the house, to feel if there is an airflow that will make them think a plantation is there.

-          Make sure the property where your plantation is situated is nicely maintained. Shabby old places will attract extra attention.

-          The electricity company will contact police if use of electricity is more than usual.