Drone Spooks Suspects Prowling Near Bircotes Building Site
Police swooped after security guards spotted suspicious figures lurking around a building site near Bircotes at 11.30pm on Sunday. The suspects were caught on the perimeter by sharp-eyed guards, triggering a high-tech response.
Drone Tracks Crooks From Over Quarter of a Mile Away
Nottinghamshire Police quickly launched a drone, which spotted the suspects from more than a quarter of a mile away using an infrared camera. Realising they’d been seen, the intruders fled across fields and vanished into the night.
The gang is believed to have been targeting plant machinery and fuel from the Snape Lane site. Investigations are ongoing.
Sergeant Vince Saunders, Nottinghamshire Police’s chief drone pilot, said: “This is another great example of the power of our drone technology. Security guards suspected people lurking but couldn’t see them in the dark. Our pilot tracked them down with infrared before getting closer and capturing strong images to aid the investigation.”
Rural Crime Gets a High-Tech Crackdown
Nottinghamshire Police has ramped up efforts to tackle rural crime with more marked vehicles equipped with searchlights, night vision and thermal imaging goggles, farm biosecurity kits, off-road motorbikes, automatic number plate recognition cameras, new off-road vehicle stingers, and enhanced drone support.
The force also collaborates with the National Farmers’ Union to understand the impact of rural crime on victims better.
Inspector Hayley Crawford, District Commander for Bassetlaw, said: “Criminals target rural communities thinking they’re easy pickings. That’s not true. We’re working hard with partners to provide the best response to those committing crime here. We now have more officers, better resources, and specialist kit to get the job done.”
Call 101 With Info on Incident 759 of April 2
Anyone with information about last Sunday’s incident should call 101 quoting incident 759 of 2 April.
