NEW specialist anti-drone equipment which arrived in Jersey on Sunday evening will put the Island in the “safest possible position” going forward, the officer leading the inquiry has said.
The technology was brought to the Island by a Royal Air Force deployment after drone activity caused travel disruption to hundreds of passengers over the weekend.
A major investigation has been launched by the States of Jersey Police to identify the culprit or culprits.
Under the Air Navigation (Jersey) Law, anyone deemed to have recklessly or negligently acted in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft could face up to five years in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Beechey, who is responsible for leading the investigation, said that the new equipment will put Jersey in the “safest possible position” going forward – although the force is unable to state exactly how it will be used due to “operational reasons”.
The police first became aware of the activity after they “received information” from the public, alerting them to sightings of drone activity around Jersey Airport, Det Chief Insp Beechey said. From there, in accordance with “well-established procedures and policies” with partners, officers “immediately convened”.
Det Chief Inspr Beechey said: “On the back of that information received, it was determined that it was necessary by Ports [of Jersey] to close the Airport for a period of time, given that everything that we do is focused on keeping the public safe.
“It wasn’t until the drone activity had ceased that we were able to, in conjunction with the Ports, reopen the Airport”.
Anyone with information that could help identify those responsible is asked to call 612612 and quote M07922/2026. Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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