Drone pilots from Wiltshire Police have been visiting homes across the county as they tackle the increase in the illegal use of the flying video recording devices during the lockdown.
Since the coronavirus regulations came into force, police say they’ve received ‘a few more than usual’ reports of drones being flown as more people find themselves with plenty of spare time.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “With people staying at home keeping safe and helping reduce the demand on the NHS, some residents have become more aware of drone hobbyists and the flying of the drones in their areas.”
Specially trained unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots – also police officers usually working as volunteers with the special constabulary – have been visiting private address across Wiltshire ‘reminding drone hobbyists of their personal responsibilities’ when flying.
Yesterday, officers visite two homes to speak with drone owners who were flying out of their back gardens which were not suitable based on the current laws in place around UAVs.
To summarise, drones should not be out of sight or flown closer than 50 metres of people, buildings, cars or trains – this generally rules out taking off from gardens.
In built-up areas, drones are banned from flying overhead at any height.
Find out more about drone user’s legal responsibilities on the Drone Safe website.
