Farmers concerned thieves are casing their properties from the sky

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

Rural residents fear there may be a link between rogue drones spotted at their properties and burglaries in the same areas.

A police spokesperson confirmed they were investigating reported drone incidents in rural North Canterbury.

Swannanoa contract milker Wayne Pritchard was not taking any chances though when he saw a drone hovering above a dairy shed on Monday night.

A second drone was spotted buzzing around the farm owner’s house, and three suspicious vehicles were seen nearby.

Pritchard and the farm owner reported the sightings and vehicle registration numbers to the police. Many other had residents reporting seeing drones on their properties in the area.

Under New Zealand drone privacy laws, operators must have the consent of the property owner or person in charge of the area they want to fly. That consent also enables them to fly above the neighbouring property.