POLICE seized more than 200 cannabis plants from a three-bedroom house in Northolt after an anonymous tip off.

The electricity supply to the house in Swallow Drive, had been tampered with allowing the occupiers to get electricity without paying for it.

Three rooms in the rented property were also fitted with ventilation systems, heating equipment, UV lights, fertilizer, soil and timers transforming it into what police describe as a cannabis factory.

Superintendent Ian Jenkins, who is in charge of community policing in the borough, is urging residents to be on the look out for rented houses where occupants only attend every couple of days.

He said: "the majority of well-organised cannabis factories have been established in similar rented accommodation, usually with the curtains always closed or the windows blocked out.

"Drugs use and supply is extremely damaging to our community, with direct proven links to burglary and motor vehicle robbery."

Officers are now trying to trace the occupants of the house who are described as three oriental men.

Police say the landlord, a woman in her 30s from Harrow, had not asked for any references, or carried out any background checks on the occupants.

Anyone with information can contact Ealing police on 0208 810 1212 or via email on ealingintelligence-xb@met.police.uk or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.