More than 100 crimes involving drones reported to West Mercia Police

New figures show that West Mercia Police received 80 calls between April 1 and June 30, while 30 were made to Warwickshire Police.

The majority involved drones flying over properties, but there were also two reports of drones being shot at, seven of drones flying over prisons and one of a drone flying over a police station.

There were also reports of drones crashing into gardens and sports fields and one of an owner trespassing to recover their drone.

Reports were made on three occasions that drones were allegedly being used unlawfully to take pictures.

The suspected theft of drones accounted for five reports over the three-month period.

The figures were released by West Mercia and Warwickshire police forces following a freedom of information request.

In May, it emerged a total of 36 incidents involving drones were reported to West Mercia Police in the first three months of this year.

The crimes ranged from attempts to bring items into a prison using drones, flying over airfields or properties and drones being stolen from shops.

But despite the number of reports, there were no criminal convictions, with the most severe punishment being a community resolution for one of the thefts.

There were two instances where drones were used to convey items into a prison, and one conspiracy to do so.

There were also five instances of a drone flying near to or about to fly to a prison.

The most common crime was that drones had been spotted flying over properties.

Police have urged drone users to make sure they know the rules for their use, as those who don't follow regulations can face criminal convictions.

In February a helicopter from RAF Shawbury came within 100 feet of a six-foot drone that was being flown 600 feet above the ground near the base.

The drone, which was fitted with a camera, was reported by the pilot over the radio to air traffic control.

Both the RAF police and West Mercia Police were informed, and were sent out to investigate.

The use of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles to give them their proper name, is governed by rules issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.

For personal use, no licence is required but operators must stick to a number of rules to ensure they comply with the law.

Drones must not be flown within 50 metres of any person or property, nor within 150 metres of crowds or a built up area.

Operators must make sure they have their drone in sight at all times and that they stay well away from other aircraft or airfields.

People who see a drone breaking these rules in Shropshire should call police on 101.