'Wonderful' Northumbria Police drones will tackle motorbike antisocial behaviour in Ashington, Cramlington, and Blyth

New drones set to be used by Northumbria Police to tackle motorbike disorder have been described as “absolutely amazing.”
By James Robinson
Published 28th Feb 2024, 10:18 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

More than 1,300 cases of antisocial behaviour caused by the illegal use of off-road motorcycles were reported in 2023 alone, with Ashington the worst-affected town in the county.

In October, Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness unveiled plans to deploy eight drones to track down criminals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Officers on the ground are unable to give chase for fear of causing danger to both the rider and the wider public.

Most Popular
Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness (left) and Bothal councillor Lynne Grimshaw (right) with Northumbria Police officers and the new drone. (Photo by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner's Office)Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness (left) and Bothal councillor Lynne Grimshaw (right) with Northumbria Police officers and the new drone. (Photo by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner's Office)
Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness (left) and Bothal councillor Lynne Grimshaw (right) with Northumbria Police officers and the new drone. (Photo by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner's Office)

The commissioner was in Ashington on Monday at a demonstration of the new technology. Ms McGuinness said: “It is important we find new ways to fight crime and drones allow us to relentlessly pursue criminals, protect the vulnerable, and reduce crime, wherever that occurs.

“They are our eyes in the sky will make a real difference in everything from catching criminals to improving safety at events, with intelligence-led policing at its heart.

“We are already reaping the benefits tracking down off-road bikers, something that is a huge priority for me and for Northumbria Police.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"With drones up above, these riders really do have nowhere to hide and officers on the ground are telling me they are a real game changer.

The drone will be used to tackle crime, including antisocial behaviour. (Photo by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner's Office)The drone will be used to tackle crime, including antisocial behaviour. (Photo by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner's Office)
The drone will be used to tackle crime, including antisocial behaviour. (Photo by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner's Office)

"Drone technology brings speed, access, intelligence, and hopefully this investment will bring more prosecutions too.”

The drone in question is to be deployed across south east Northumberland, covering towns such as Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth, and Cramlington. Labour’s Cllr Lynne Grimshaw, who represents Ashington’s Bothal ward, was full of praise for the “wonderful” devices.

She said: “They are absolutely amazing. One of the officers who attended put it in the air and the quality of the footage was magnificent.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They are going to be an asset for the police force. The clarity is amazing, it could see for miles, it is fantastic. The police officers were delighted.

“Cllr Brian Gallacher and I have been working with police to get these because there are a lot of issues around the riverside in Ashington, but it is for the whole of the town and the wider area.

"Motorbike disorder is a real issue and these drones will be able to pick up a lot of anti-social behaviour.”

“We are getting positive feedback from the public which is good.”