A newspaper in Kent has issued a warning about how drones could be being used by criminals to help them target properties ahead of carrying out burglaries.
Kent Online revealed that residents in Swanscombe and Greenhithe had reported seeing drones over their properties and then there were later thefts of garden furniture in the neighbourhoods.
Despite police issuing a statement ruling out a connection between the two, residents have expressed frustration on social media. Officers explained that following an investigation, they identified the drone pilot and spoke to them to “advise on proper drone etiquette”. But there have been further reports of suspicious aircraft over gardens in the area.
When questioned by Councillor Harman about the possibility that drones could be used in this way, officer Robert Slade said it was the first time he had heard of this, but admitted it was possible.
“That sounds like a really interesting and logical step, frankly, as a use of technology instead of looking over a fence. Why not fly a drone up, see whether the place is occupied and do a burglary?” he stated.
The news provider revealed that this practice has been reported in areas such as Cambridge and Suffolk.
With criminals finding new ways of exploiting technology, it’s more important than ever that you have appropriate precautions in place, such as intruder alarms in Bristol to protect your premises, whether they are residential or commercial.
Back in June, we reported that there had been an increase in cases of squatting and illegal raves in the UK, with a particularly sharp rise in the latter being reported in the weeks immediately following the Covid-19 lockdown in the country.