West Mercia Police are intensifying efforts to tackle drone activity around HMP Long Lartin, a high-security prison in Worcestershire.
The force confirmed it has captured seven drones near the prison in the past year and arrested 18 individuals, although no charges have been brought yet.
HMP Long Lartin houses some of the country’s most dangerous offenders and has been plagued by drones dropping drugs, weapons, and mobile phones.
Despite a no-fly zone introduced in January 2024, residents living nearby said illegal drone drops continue with little sign of improvement.
Nine investigations into drone incidents are currently ongoing. Investigators have seized Class A drugs, flick knives, mobile phones, and other banned items intended for inmates.
West Mercia Police stated that public reports of suspicious drone activity play a vital role in tackling this problem and urged anyone spotting a drone near the prison to act quickly.
The force stressed there is no innocent reason for drones to be near Long Lartin. They believe the individuals behind these operations are serious, organised criminals rather than local residents, making it a lucrative trade.
New legislation automatically makes it an offence to fly a drone within 400 metres of a prison. Offenders caught smuggling illicit items could face up to ten years in prison.
However, earlier this year, the chief inspector of prisons warned that contraband drops at Long Lartin remained so frequent that they posed a potential national security risk.
Residents near the prison described regularly seeing large drones, sometimes several at once, mostly at night. They reported the noise and flashing lights of drones but rarely saw the operators, suggesting they were stationed far from the prison grounds.
Although police have responded to calls, residents expressed frustration, feeling authorities and the prison service have been too reactive with little visible prevention in place.
Long Lartin is surrounded by high walls, but most of its CCTV cameras are fixed and cannot monitor areas outside the perimeter.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed ongoing work to assess site vulnerabilities and prevent smuggling attempts. Measures include improvements to windows, installation of netting, and additional security grilles designed to stop drones from delivering illegal items.
Drones have become a growing concern across the UK’s prison system, with many facilities facing similar challenges.
The government and law enforcement agencies are working together to address the risks, aiming to enhance prison security and reduce the influence of organised crime groups operating from the outside.
