Zurich UK calls for regular property inspections as suspected cannabis farm incidents rise
The number of suspected or identified cannabis farms attended by fire and rescue services increased 218% over nine years.
This was according to new Freedom of Information data obtained by Zurich UK from 21 fire and rescue services, which revealed that incidents rose from 17 in 2015 to a record 54 in 2024.
Incidents also increased by 59% between 2019 and the 2024, with 50 attendances recorded in 2025.
Stewart Powell, regional major loss lead at Zurich UK, said: “For many landlords the full impact only becomes apparent once a cannabis farm has been uncovered and the extent of the damage becomes clear.
“While the fire risk associated with these operations is well known, fire is often only one part of a much larger problem. We’ve seen claims involving dangerous electrical alterations, extensive water damage from irrigation systems, widespread damp and mould and significant structural changes made to conceal growing operations.
”By the time a property is recovered, landlords can be left facing months of disruption, substantial reinstatement work and repair bills running into hundreds of thousands of pounds before a building can be safely occupied again.”
A ’growing and costly threat’
Zurich UK said there is evidence that cannabis production is increasingly moving into rented properties and vacant commercial premises, with investigators encountering these units extensively altered to support growing operations.
Since January 2022, the insurer’s claims investigation unit major loss team has investigated 17 cannabis farm-related claims worth a combined £9.4m.
Scott Clayton, head of claims fraud at Zurich UK, added: “Many landlords still picture cannabis farms operating in remote industrial estates or hidden warehouses.
”What we’re increasingly seeing is organised criminal groups targeting empty shops, offices and retail premises, often hiding in plain sight on high streets across the UK. These operations can involve sophisticated attempts to present a legitimate business front, making it difficult for landlords to spot the warning signs until significant damage has already been done.
”Our specialist claims investigation unit has dealt with cannabis farm claims worth £9.4m since 2022 alone, highlighting the scale of the problem. Robust due diligence, regular inspections and a willingness to question unusual behaviour remain some of the most effective ways landlords can protect themselves from a growing and costly threat.”
