Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Watch moment crime-fighting drones track and catch shoplifte…

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THE terrifying future of crime-fighting has arrived in the form of drones that are now capable of pursuing criminals in action.

One police force has recruited the technology seemingly straight out of science fiction to tackle theft and other petty crimes.

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Bensalem Police Department recently released footage of their drones tracking down and aiding in the apprehension of retail theft perpetrators in their areaCredit: WPVI

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Detective Glenn Vandegrift reported that his department’s retail theft clearance rate is 62%, way above other police departmentsCredit: Bensalem Police Department

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In one instance, the drone followed a bike thief from the scene of his shoplifting to only a mile away where police on the ground were able to apprehend the suspectCredit: Bensalem Police Department

Police in Bensalem Township, Pennslyvania, just 30 minutes northeast of Philadelphia recently released footage of drones tracking down and helping catch suspected thieves to local ABC News affiliate WPVI.

Detective Glenn Vandegrift explained that their “small fleet” of drones is part of a Bensalem Secure Task Force, meant to address growing retail theft issues.

“Our goal is to bring our business community together in collaboration with law enforcement to reduce theft with practical and sustainable solutions,” reads the task force’s website.

Last year, the county reported nearly 900 retail thefts; up around 50% from just four years prior.

In 2019, they reported only 484 retail theft incidents.

Part of the effectiveness of the drones is credited to the speed at which they can be dispatched and locate suspects.

Because they are airflown, and not bound by traffic patterns or traditional road routes, the police say an operator can typically get a device on the scene within two minutes.

“Our clearance rate for retail thefts is 62%. That is significantly higher than the national average,” said Vandegrift.

The detective believes the success of his department should serve to inspire other departments to invest in drone technology.

HOW IT WORKS

When a call is made regarding a shoplifting incident, the department immediately dispatches a drone, equipped with a camera that allows real-time footage and video recording to search for and go after the thief.

Moment brazen Target shoppers steal $74k worth of items & walk right by self-checkout – ‘bin’ strategy was caught on cam

Once the drone operator locates a perpetrator, they track the individual until law enforcement can apprehend them.

In one instance, a perpetrator stole a bicycle and was caught using drones.

A description of the thief, the bike, and the location of the incident were provided to the police and a drone was able to locate and follow the suspect.

Less than a mile from where the bicycle was stolen, officers made an arrest using information fed to them by the drone operator in pursuit.

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Once the drone operator locates a perpetrator, they keep tabs on the individual until on the ground law enforcement can apprehend themCredit: Bensalem Police Department

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While some might think that this is an excessive amount of effort for shoplifting, Vandergrift has a different perspective saying they are cracking down on retail theftCredit: Bensalem Police Department

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Last year, the county reported nearly 900 reported retail thefts; this is up around 50% from just four years priorCredit: Bensalem Police Department

Another suspect, in an undisclosed crime, was also seen being arrested on drone footage.

“This guy would have been able to get away if the drone was not involved,” contented Vandergrift.

The video revealed the fleeing suspected thief looking over his shoulder as he ran through a parking lot before crossing a road.

Shortly after making his way across the road, two police cars pull up and officers jump out, apprehending the suspect.

While some might think that this is an excessive amount of effort for shoplifting, Vandergrift has a different perspective.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s $20 or $200, we’re coming at you just as hard,” he said.

Their drone technology might also one day be used in other criminal investigations and chases.

Anti-theft measures rolled out by retailers

Retailers across the US and Canada have rolled out strategies designed to combat theft. The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of measures that have been implemented at stores.

  • Locking items in cabinets.
  • Security pegs.
  • Security cameras.
  • Signs warning about the impact of theft.
  • Receipt scanners.
  • Receipt checks.
  • Carts with locking technology
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