A PolAir-Remote trial in Moree using drones to help combat crime has been applauded by Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan – but serious legislative reform to sentencing and bail laws in New South Wales is needed as well, he says.

The drones were installed about six weeks ago on the Moree Police Station rooftop, with the trial running for six months during which time an evaluation will be conducted.

“The first month of this trial has shown promising results in helping our local police apprehend suspects,” Mr Moylan said.

“I have received positive feedback from members of the community and local police officers, so I am looking forward to seeing the results over the next five months.

“We all know our crime rate in Moree is much higher than the rest of the state and this drone trial is a step in the right direction.

The PolAir-Remote drone port being installed on the rooftop of Moree Police Station (Image: NSW Police).

“However, our community and our police need to be backed up by the State Government with serious legislative reform to both sentencing and bail laws in New South Wales.

“While I support the drone trial, I will continue to push the Government for proper legislative change to ensure there are real consequences for those who commit serious crimes.

“It’s great to have these drones in the air, but we also need to have the right laws in place to ensure community safety,” Mr Moylan said.

The two DJI Matrice 4-TD drones are positioned on the roof of Moree Police Station and are remotely piloted from a remote operations centre at Bankstown Airport.

Two DJI Matrice 4-TD drones are positioned on the roof of Moree Police Station and are remotely piloted from a remote operations centre at Bankstown Airport (Image: NSW Police).

A drone was used to provide aerial watch of a property believed to be inhabited by a wanted violent offender. The drone identified the individual and tracked him as he fled, helping police to establish a safe perimeter in which they could arrest the offender who was later charged.

Drones were also used to search and identify a stolen vehicle hidden in bushes along the Mehi River. The vehicle had been used in aggravated break-and-enters and its recovery prevented access to the vehicle to commit further offences.

In another incident, a drone was used to identify individuals loitering in a driveway after reports of an aggravated break-and-enter. The clothing worn by these people was identical to that of the reported offenders and crucial evidence to effect an arrest.

Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse, welcomed the drone trial.

“We are very fortunate in this community that we have a really strong relationship with the police, and we have felt really well supported,” Cr Pearse said.

“Moree is a fantastic place, with locals who care deeply about the town.

“We are similar to lots of other rural areas where we do have a higher crime rate. Our community has been fed up with that, and we are absolutely delighted the minister and the commissioner have heard our cries and are responding,” she said.