Police issue warning about flying drones near Shropshire prison named in report for drug problems

Police have issued a warning to remind people that drones are forbidden in the airspace near a Shropshire prison.

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Police say there are currently robust plans in place to respond to sightings of drones and any suspicious activity near HMP Stoke Heath, the men’s prison and young offender institution near Market Drayton.

The warning comes after a report published this week following an unannounced inspection at the prison said that nearly 30 per cent of prisoners there had tested positive for drugs.

Police say drones are often used to drop illegal contraband into prisons, contributing to issues within the facility and Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) outside and while police and the prison regularly communicate intelligence, information and prevention tactics, they are also calling for the public to report any sightings to West Mercia Police.

PC Iain Mcintosh said: “As always, our local communities are our eyes and ears on the ground, and the intelligence we gather from them is invaluable.

“Information which has previously been reported to us in relation to drone sightings has been investigated thoroughly, and we ask our communities is to continue to report information to us.

“We also want to know about any suspicious acting vehicles; offenders may repeatedly drive around the areas surrounding the prison to find a location where they can fly a drone from.

“If you witness any suspicious activity or see a drone in the airspace near to the prison, call us immediately.

“We will not stop in our pursuit of these criminals, to tear down the OCGs behind the operations, and to put a stop to the activity fuelling organised crime and impacting our communities.”