There’s soon to be another ‘Eye in the Sky’ in the fight against crime – which can also be used when tackling major fires. Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have announced they’ve teamed up to invest in the very latest Drone technology.
The two organisations say their latest collaboration will be used by Police to help find high-risk missing people, to support rural crime prevention and detection operations, respond to major incidents such as flooding, monitor public order events such as protests, pre-planned operations, counter-terrorism manoeuvres and gathering evidence to secure court convictions.
The drone will be used by the Fire Service to support operations at incidents such as urban search and rescue, disaster response, road collisions, hazardous materials and large scale blazes.
Nottinghamshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “This is great news for both organisations and will give the force another tool to be used to help tackle crime. We’ve had great support from the National Police Air Service (NPAS helicopter) units and we will continue to do so, however, they aren’t always available at short notice, so having our own drone will be a real advantage. The new drone will give officers a chance to scan large areas in a very short time and could ultimately save lives.”
Bryn Coleman, Area Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, who is the Service’s Collaboration Lead, said: “We are delighted that we will be able to share this new resource with our police colleagues. A number of other fire and rescue services have utilised a drone at incidents and it is clear they can be very beneficial in carrying out water rescues and fighting fires. The drone gives us a perspective at an incident which can really make our job easier, helping us and our partners to provide an excellent service to the people of Nottinghamshire.”
Two drones have been purchased – both fitted with the latest high definition cameras and thermal imaging technology and this equipment will allow officers to cover more ground on their patrols. They can be legally flown to a maximum height of 400ft (120m). This limit is set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) so they do not interfere with aircraft which operate just above at 500ft. Each drone is powered by rechargeable batteries and fully charged these can allow flight from between 20-45 minutes. They’re to be brought into service at the end of June.
Meantime, crime statistics for our village, just released by Rushcliffe Police for the month of March, show a pleasing drop in the number of reported incidents – with just NINE offences logged. This compares with THIRTY SEVEN the month before!
Ruddington Crime Figures for 1st March to 31st March 2019
6th Theft of number plates – Charles Street
16th Burglary Dwelling – entrance through rear window – The Avenue
22nd Theft from shop – glasses frames stolen by female – Charles Street
23rd Burglary – outbuilding entered – nothing stolen – The Avenue
24th Attempted theft of vehicle – Landrover moved from drive – Landmere Lane
25th Arson – field set alight – Fairham Brook
Criminal damage – tyres slashed on vehicle – Camelot Street
29th Assault on Easthorpe Street – Three arrests made – enquiries continuing. >>MORE<<
30th/1st Burglary – brick thrown at shop premises window – no entry gained – High Street
If you have any information about any of the above incidents – may have CCTV footage that can help – or have spotted someone acting suspiciously – you’re asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101. Or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
