Drone incursions into prisons in England and Wales have tripled in just two years, with over 1,550 incidents predicted by the end of 2024. A freedom of information request revealed that 1,296 drone-related incidents were reported between January and October 2024, a sharp rise from 478 in 2022.
The Labour chair of the Commons Justice Committee, Andy Slaughter, has urged urgent action, calling the figures a “fundamental breach of security” and warning that the UK’s Prison Service is “playing catch up.” The rise in incidents highlights the growing sophistication of drone use by organized crime groups to deliver drugs and contraband directly to inmates.
Growing Threat of Drones in Prison Security
Drone deliveries often occur under the cover of darkness, and the real scale of the problem may be significantly larger than reported. HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, identified drone deliveries as his “number one concern,” cautioning that the trend could escalate to include firearms smuggling and attempted escapes.
At facilities like HMP Garth in Lancashire, inmates have likened the nightly influx of drones to an “airport,” underscoring the severity of the issue. Criminal gangs are now recruiting skilled drone pilots to operate high-tech drones equipped with thermal imaging, capable of transporting several kilograms of illicit goods.
Countermeasures and the Need for Funding
Despite new laws introduced in January 2024 criminalizing drone flights within 400 meters of prisons, the problem persists. Violators face fines of up to £2,500 or up to 10 years in prison for smuggling contraband. However, limited counter-drone technologies and deteriorating prison infrastructure have made it easier for gangs to breach security.
The Justice Committee has launched an inquiry to address this issue, including exploring advanced solutions such as signal blockers to prevent drones from entering prison airspace. Slaughter emphasized the urgency of prioritizing security funding, stating, “Before you do anything else, you have to make sure that your prisoners are secure.”
Government Response
A government spokesperson acknowledged the crisis, attributing it to systemic issues inherited by the current administration. The spokesperson added, “We are working with the police to deter, detect, and disrupt the growing illegal use of drones around prisons. Our Crime in Prisons taskforce will focus on tackling drugs and organized crime in jails.”
The surge in drone-related incidents highlights the pressing need for investment in security technologies and infrastructure to address the growing threat to prison safety and public security.
