There is increasing concern that drones are being used to scope properties out before a break in.
Recently a drone was seen at a property in Melisovonos on 3 occasions, flying down to window height, before a burglary occurred.
Earlier this week, a drone was seen twice flying over Melisovonos again.
Drones are almost impossible to track and the operator can be some distance away from where the drone is seen.
It is perhaps useful to reiterate the main rules and regulations regarding their use:
-The drone must be visible to the operator at all times and never be more than 500 meters away or more than 50 metres or 150 feet above the ground or water. It is the operator’s responsibility to avoid collisions. The operator is responsible for maintaining a safe distance from all other airspace users, giving them priority and ensuring that no other aircraft is put into danger.
-No commercial activity is permitted - you cannot be paid for anything you do with your drone.
-You must have undergone training to operate your drone - the type of training isn’t specified but there are organisation in Cyprus that can provide training. I have details of a local training organisation if required.
-Only daytime flying is permitted and you must be satisfied that you can fly the drone safely and flying must stop if conditions become unsuitable. Flying a drone whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs is definitely not allowed as is flying more than one drone at a time.
-Dropping of anything from your drone is definitely out of the question.
-Now here is the big one - taking pictures of my villa is out! Your drone must be a safe distance of, at least, one kilometre from residential areas. Also a 500 metres restriction applies to isolated buildings, people, vehicles, animals, structures etcetera unless the owner’s permission has been granted or they are associated with you or your flight.
-For airports and heliports the safe distance is extended to eight and three kilometres respectively. You will also need to know where prohibited, restricted, dangerous and reserved areas are in Cyprus as flying over them is definitely out. As are flights above, within, or in proximity to military installations, public utility installations, archaeological sites and public or private facilities except with the permission of the owner or the relevant Competent Authority.
IF YOU ARE AWARE OF DRONE ACTIVITY IN YOUR AREA, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE POLICE. PLEASE ALSO MAKE YOUR NEIGHBOURS AWARE IF YOU HAVE SEEN A DRONE APPEARING TO TARGET THEIR PROPERTY.
Articles on the subject which may be of interest:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11613568/Burglars-use-drone-helicopters-to-identify-targe-homes.html
http://www.dissmercury.co.uk/news/fears-that-drones-are-being-used-to-scope-out-properties-for-burglaries-in-norfolk-as-calls-to-police-rise-sharply-1-4960341
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/huge-rise-use-drones-prison-10145628
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170731-how-cops-catch-drone-flying-criminals