The investigation said the real number could be even higher than the quoted figure because not every force it contacted responded to their Freedom of Information request. It estimates that 10 incidents are being logged per day, based on the numbers.
The complaints relate to invasions of privacy, near misses with aircraft, and smuggling operations in prisons.
Last year there were 70 near misses between drones and aircraft at UK airports, while there were only 29 in 2015, according the UK Airprox Board (UKAB).
This is a trend that looks to continue after last week’s near miss at 10,000 feet above Heathrow, where a drone was estimated to be 30m away from the plane, and “safety was not assured” according to UKAB. The incident was classified as “b” level risk which is the second most serious level out of five.
Many of the reports logged by forces involved arguments caused by drones being flown over gardens or for long periods of time near crowds.
Police claim that in some cases burglars were using drones to check if a house was occupied before breaking in. Criminals have also used drones to ferry drugs and other contraband into prisons.
The Department for Transport is running a consultation exercise to consider whether new measures are needed to keep drones safe. One step under consideration is the creation of a criminal offence covering drone misuse.
References: BBC
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