While commuters complain of disruptions caused by
recent heavy snow, Dutch police have welcomed it as an unusual aid
in catching illegal cannabis growers and other criminals.
"A clean roof amid others covered in snow is often an indication
of the presence of attic growing lights for a cannabis plantation,"
police spokesman Henri van Pinxteren of the south eastern Brabant
region told AFP on Friday.
Police on patrol would list the addresses of homes with clean
roofs for later inspection, he said.
"It often leads to arrests. This is a well-known tool for the
police in winter," Van Pinxteren said.
The snow of the last week has also allowed police to literally
track down several fleeing criminals.
In Sassenheim in the western Netherlands, police on Thursday
arrested two teenagers, following their trail after they stole a
Christmas tree from a shopping mall and dragged it between them in
the snow on their motorcycles.
A fleeing burglar in Goes in the southwest was arrested early
Thursday after seeking to hide under a thick layer of snow.
He was betrayed by his footprints leading right up to his hiding
place.
"The snow can definitely be a help for the police," said Van
Pinxteren.
"It also helps that the cold keeps people indoors, also
criminals."