Drone reports to UK police soar 352% in a year amid urgent calls for regulation

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Everything you need to know to fly domestic drones legally 257 The number of reports considered under suspicious circumstances and a concern for public safety One remarkable incident recorded by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in June last year revealed a drone allegedly being used to film a cash point in Templepatrick as people entered their pin codes. Reports to UK police forces involving drones open image in gallery Sexual offences involving a drone were reported in both London and South Wales, with the Metropolitan Police referring to case of "voyeurism" and the Welsh force revealing a drone had been used to record footage of a young woman undressed in her apartment. “The police are being forced to use laws that were designed before the invention of drones fit in terms of personal safety and privacy, but actually what we need is a Drone Bill through the House of Commons to address the technological challenges.” Map of reports involving drones Mr Dunn said the terror threat was a “massive concern” to law enforcement agencies, adding: "These machines have the ability to actually deliver drugs into prisons, to deliver sim cards into prisons.” Corroborating previous reports, the data reveals a significant number of sightings of drones around prisons. “We are working with the Home Office on how drones might be used to enhance operational capability in law enforcement, including for support for emergency response or for public order events.” The public have serious concerns about drone use but the safeguards around them are flimsy and obscure &#13; <p>Sara Ogilvie</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Liberty</p>&#13; Sara Ogilvie, policy officer for Liberty, told The Independent: "As the use of drones by both individuals and the police continues to soar, the need for thorough public debate and robust regulation of this shadowy industry becomes all the more obvious and urgent.