Many people wrongly believe that it’s OK for them to smoke cannabis in their own homes.

But they are breaking the law and if caught will face police action.

So what action can you take if you suspect the drug is being used near your home? Can people smoke cannabis on their own property legally?

The law states that the possession of cannabis is an offence and will be dealt with by police.

Click here to sign up to breaking news email updates from Yorkshire Live.

Police encourage people to contact them with information about drugs - you can do so by calling 101 and you will be connected to your local force.

But there are other steps you can take too - read on to find out more.

If I call the police, will my neighbours find out?

Police say that your neighbours would not find out that you’ve tipped them off.

Officers on patrol sometimes use tip-offs to decide which areas they’ll patrol. If they were to smell the cannabis themselves, they might knock on the door and broach the subject that way.

The best way for people to remain anonymous is to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

What will happen to my neighbours if I call police about them?

This could depend on a number of things, including the amount of cannabis and whether someone has had any previous convictions. They may receive a caution or they could be prosecuted. If they are selling drugs as well as using them, they could even face jail.

How about if they’re renting? What about telling my neighbour’s landlord?

Unlike the police, if you tell your neighbour’s landlord there is no guarantee they won’t give away your identity.

A spokesman for the National Landlords Association said that if landlords suspect cannabis use they should “arrange for a visit to the property, provided they have given the tenant advance warning".

Find the latest crimes committed near you

He said: “If they see or smell what they believe to be evidence of cannabis use they should remind and warn the tenants that such actions are in violation of the tenancy agreement. If, when they next visit the property, they see the same evidence they may then wish to resort to serving a section 21, or eviction, notice.”

I am the landlord. What can I do to stop cannabis being used at my property?

The National Landlords Association has previously said: “While we recommend taking references of prospective tenants from former employers or landlords before offering a tenancy, it can also be necessary to make checks on the property after they have moved in.

“These should be carried out quarterly if there are any concerns but make sure you give the tenant or tenants sufficient notice beforehand so as not to disrupt privacy. Lastly, get to know the neighbours and local residents as they can help alert you should they either see or smell what they suspect to be cannabis use on the property.”

How can I find out who the landlord of a property is?

A good starting point is to find out who the Land Registry have as the owner of the property. It will cost a few pounds but you can get the information from this website.