Drones Take to the Skies to Fight Rural Crime in Kent
High-tech drones are now buzzing over Kent to clamp down on thefts, burglaries, and rural crimes. The new gadget is already proving a game changer for police patrolling areas around Edenbridge and near the Sussex and Surrey borders.
Fast Action: Drone Helps Nab Drug Suspect
On 9 September 2021, police used a drone to track down an 18-year-old who bailed on foot after his VW Golf, linked to drug supply offences, crashed on London Road, Tunbridge Wells. Thanks to aerial surveillance, officers found the suspect hiding in nearby woodland. He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and possession with intent to supply drugs before being bailed pending further inquiries.
Targeted Drone Ops Snag Suspicious Vehicles
Between 9 and 10 September, the drone played a key role during targeted operations in Cowden, Hever, Ashurst, and Penshurst. Supported by the Rural Task Force and police from Sussex and Surrey, officers gathered vital intel on suspicious vehicles crossing county lines.
- A Renault Clio stopped in Lingfield, Surrey, linked to fuel thefts. No arrests but the driver was driving without a valid licence and couldn’t explain his presence. The car was seized.
- An erratic driver caught during the search led to an arrest for drink-driving.
Police Praise Drone Tech for Boosting Community Safety
“Drones cover large distances quickly and provide live footage of suspicious activity, especially in isolated spots where CCTV doesn’t reach,” said Sgt Ed Kavanagh of Tunbridge Wells Community Policing Team. “They allow us to carry out extensive searches that would normally require multiple patrols and vehicles.”
“While good old-fashioned policing and public help remain crucial, drones enhance our operations and response times. They are a vital tool for protecting our rural communities.”
