The number of drone incidents in prisons rose by 43% in a year, according to new government data.
In the 12 months to March, there were 1,712 drone incidents at prisons across England and Wales, compared to 1,196 the year before. The latest figures represent “a new peak”.
The ingress of drones into prisons, carrying drugs and weapons, has become an increasing problem for the prison service.
In the same dataset, there were over 26,000 incidents of drug finds inside jails, an increase of 25% on the previous year, and more than 13,000 weapons.
Earlier this month, the chief inspector of prisons warned that drone technology is becoming so sophisticated that it’s a “theoretical possibility” that a prisoner could be lifted out of jail by a drone in the near future.
In its annual report in July, the prisons watchdog said drones were sending “overwhelming amounts” of illicit items into jails, representing a “threat to national security”.
The report reiterated concerns about “regular deliveries” into Category A jails in Worcestershire and Manchester, which “hold the most dangerous men in the country”, including terrorists.
Sky News understands the technology allows for drone pilots to be operating the aircraft from abroad, making it difficult for authorities to track them down or make arrests.
The Prisons Minister, Lord Timpson, says the government are “tackling the organised crime gangs behind the drug supply routes” so that prisons can “start cutting crime and stop creating better criminals”. It’s part of a “nationwide crackdown on drone drops into prisons”, backed by £900,000 of funding.
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They had previously announced £40m for increased security measures, including exterior netting and reinforced windows.
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Detectives say they are coordinating work with prisons and the National Crime Agency to “disrupt” criminal behaviour and “prevent contraband from entering the prison estate.”
“By sharing intelligence and coordinating operations, we are strengthening our collective response to this growing threat,” said Claire McGuire from the North West Regional Crime Unit.
