DIY stores in Lancashire will be asked to keep an eye on suspicious purchases to help police fight drug crime.

Lancashire Constabulary has produced leaflets which say people buying large amounts of fertilisers, fans, lighting and insulation, could be potential cannabis farmers.

Detectives will then analyse sales trends, stock systems and store CCTV to try and track down drug manufacturers.

Inspector Steve Stebbings, of the county's Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), said drug squads must keep on top of resourceful criminals.

He said: "This is another alternative approach to disrupt and prevent all sizes of cannabis farms being set up.

“Legitimate purchasers have nothing to worry about.

“We won't be expecting staff to deal directly with any suspects. We expect them to be aware of the information in the leaflet, looking out for the types of equipment being bought in large quantities and odd items for the time of year.

“They are predominantly cash purchases which is reasonably unusual these days.

“Anyone considering setting up this type of enterprise is not welcome in Lancashire, they bring a range of harms including the organised crime aspect.

“They are growing a higher potency skunk with emerging links to mental health issues. We are seeing violence in younger people associated with its use and there is the inquisitive crime to purchase the drugs."

Insp Stebbings said police will take a 'balanced approach' to information provided by both local and big-name DIY stores, but that 'any reasonable leads' will be followed up, including CCTV pictures of individuals or their vehicles.

Police in East Lancashire have discovered several cannabis farms being run by Vietnamese or other Eastern nationality crime groups.

Insp Stebbings said: "Invariably large scale production sites have definitive links to other types of criminality such as human trafficking, firearms and other drugs.

"This is just one lucrative avenue for organised crime groups.”