by
Autonet Insurance
| Feb 12, 2010
A teenager suspected of stealing a car has become the first person to be arrested by police with the aid of a high-tech remote-controlled drone.
The 16-year-old, who took refuge in thick undergrowth during the night, was traced by thermal imaging sensors on the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
He was caught by Merseyside Police after his hiding place was precisely located by the four-rotor flying camera from 300ft away.
The UAV is controlled by a ground-based officer and can fly at heights of up to 400ft, at a top speed of 30mph.
It is fitted with flashing lights and officers say it can be used in wide-ranging situations, from shooting incidents and hostage crises to large public gatherings and football matches.
Chief Inspector Nick Gunatilleke, of Merseyside the Anti-social Behaviour Taskforce, said: "We are the only police force in the country currently using a UAV like this, and this is the first time the thermal imaging equipment has led directly to an arrest since the UAV went live in November so we are very pleased.
"It also has a wealth of other technology on board and we will use it whenever we can to support other resources such as the force helicopter and dog patrols in dealing with incidents when they arise."
© Press Association 2010