Police take to the air in fight against crime

POLICE have a new gadget as the fight against crime takes to the air.

The Matrice 300RTK drone, which is also known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, will be used to support officers in their daily duty.

There has been an increase in complaints of drone ‘trespass’ - members of the public flying a device where they are not allowed - with Broken Cross among areas where this has been reported.

Cheshire Police has recruited and trained up a team of officers who make up the drone support unit.

It includes three officers and a sergeant and operates countywide.

The unit will assist with searches for missing and wanted people, capture aerial shots for investigations, help manage events and identify cannabis farms.

Chief Inspector Gareth Wrigley, from Cheshire Police, said: “A few short months ago the unit formed, and the team have been working hard to get to this point, where the drone can officially take to the skies to assist with frontline policing.

“I want to reassure the public that the drone will not be used for general surveillance and will only be used for incidents and operations.

“Having drone capability will make a huge difference in the way we protect vulnerable people and gather critical evidence at scenes. “This is a really exciting time, it will increase our tactical options.” The pilots have all received qualifications from the Civil Aviation Authority to enable them to operate a drone.