Sharp rise in police calls about use of drones

Police are being flooded with reports about drones after a dramatic surge in incidents sparked by the devices.

The flying gadgets are at the centre of thousands of episodes registered by forces, including rows between neighbours, prison smuggling, burglary ‘scoping’ exercises, mid-air near-misses and snooping fears.

Figures obtained by the Press Association show the number of incidents logged by police around the country rocketed between 2014 and 2016.

Last year, forces recorded 3,456 incidents, this was almost triple the 2015 figure of 1,237 and more than 12 times the 2014 tally of283.

In Northumbria the number rose from four in 2014, to 26 the following year, and 88 last year.

A force spokeswoman said: “The use of drones has increased over the past few years, so it is not surprising there has been a rise in the number incidents reported to police.

“The public need to be aware that flying drones within 150 metres of a congested area is a criminal offence and may contravene air safety legislation.

“You should always keep your drone within your line of sight, this should be unaided, and always fly your drone away from aircraft, helicopters, airports and airfields.

“Those found violating these rules could face prosecution.”

In Durham there were four reported incidents in 2014, 10 the following year.