The UK Prison Service is working with the police to tackle threat of drones as part of its Plan for Change, as drone incidents up by 43 per cent in the last financial year, new data reveals. Two recent counter-drone operations result in nine arrests
“The move is backed by a new investment of UKP900,000 and designed to disrupt the in-flow of drugs and weapons that are destabilising prisons and putting staff and offenders at risk,” according to a UK government press release. “It builds on the UKP40 million already invested this year into prison security measures, including exterior netting and reinforced windows. Stopping the flow of drugs and weapons getting into prisons is a crucial step in gripping the prisons crisis the Government inherited to make streets safer, as part of the Plan for Change.
“The news comes as data published today (31 July) reveals there were 1,712 drone incidents between April 2024 and March 2025 at prisons across England and Wales. This is an increase of 43 per cent compared to the previous 12 months.
“The clampdown has already seen counter-drone operations at HMPs Manchester and Wandsworth leading to the swift arrest of nine individuals. Similar operations are planned in the coming months.
Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord Timpson, said: “One of the sophisticated drones recovered in the HMP Wandsworth operation had a value of UKP6,000, an extended flight time of 40 minutes and the ability to hold four loads at one time. Four further arrests were made by West Mercia Police earlier this month for flying drones over high-security prison HMP Long Lartin.”
Earlier this week, a trial into the use of tasers began across adult male prisons in England and Wales – the first time their use is being trialled in the prison estate..
For more information
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/counter-drone-efforts-rise-as-prison-sightings-revealed
(Image: Shutterstock)
