NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said the PolAir-Remote drone trial officially launched in Moree on Thursday is a “game-changer” in the fight against crime.

The six-month trial began in early January, with significant results.

“The trial is already proving to be a game-changer for policing in Moree,” Ms Catley said.

“We are embracing new technology. The NSW Police are the best in the country, and part of that is because they are always so open-minded to embracing new technology, and that’s what you have to do to be cutting edge law enforcement – New South Wales has that in spades.

“We will continue to implement these cutting edge ideas and technologies so we remain on top of crime and on top of keeping our communities safe.

“This is an Australian policing first that puts NSW ahead of the pack. We are backing our police with the resources and capability they need to keep communities safe.

“Our officers face complex, fast-moving situations every day. This investment helps make their work smarter – freeing them up to protect the community where it matters most.

“We know there is more to do to rebuild trust after the shocking incidents that left this community shaken. The NSW Government and the NSW Police Force are working relentlessly to improve community safety and strengthen confidence – we won’t stop.

“This announcement sends a strong message that modern policing doesn’t sit behind a desk.

“It operates on the streets, on the roads, at the scene and now, in the sky. And the Minns Labor Government is making sure police have the resources to deliver it.”

NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, in Moree on Thursday, said the PolAir-Remote drone trial is a “game-changer”.

POLAIR 800 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.

POLAIR 800 was 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.

Drones identified 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.

Incidents of note in which the drones have been used in Moree since their installation include an aggravated break-and-enter on Amaroo Drive in Moree on Australia Day.

At about 2.55am on January 26, police were called to the Amaroo Drive address, following reports of a break-and-enter.

Officers attended and were told a group of people, one of whom was armed with a machete, had broken into the house and threatened a 76-year-old woman and an 86-year-old man before allegedly stealing two sets of car keys.

They left the scene in the two allegedly stolen vehicles.

Police established a crime scene and commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, at about 12pm on Wednesday, February 4, police attended an address in Moree, and, with the assistance of PolAir-Remote, arrested a 14-year-old boy.

He was taken to Moree Police Station, where he was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and breach of bail.

The two vehicles were also recovered by police.

In an unrelated incident, during Operation Soteria February 6, a 43-year-old man – wanted for three outstanding warrants – was arrested at a restaurant on Frome Street, Moree.

He was charged with 21 offences, including breach of bail, custody of knife in public place, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle).

He was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 5 earlier this month.

Also during an Operation Soteria surge from Thursday, February 5 to Saturday, February 7, PolAir-Remote was activated to assist frontline police.

While in flight, the drone observed a number of fires throughout the Moree township.

Fire crews were subsequently notified of the fires by police and attended to extinguish the blazes.

Also on Australia Day, police were called to a motel in Inverell, following reports of a break, enter and stealing.

Police attended and were told a group of people had entered a motel room and stole car keys, before leaving the scene in the stolen SUV.

As part of police inquiries, with the assistance of PolAir-Remote, the stolen vehicle was located two days later in bushland, near Anne Street, Moree, by the bank of the Mehi River. The vehicle was seized for forensic examination.

In another incident involving drones, police captured a 19-year-old man wanted for questioning over an alleged assault in Tamworth.

The man allegedly struck a 23-year-old man with a machete.

The older man was taken to Tamworth Hospital for treatment and police commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, police were notified the 19-year-old man was in the Moree area.

Police attended and the man ran from the scene. PolAir-Remote was subsequently activated and assisted in tracking down the man, who had jumped multiple fences and ran into several yards.

He was located by police and arrested before being taken to Moree Police Station, where he was charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He is due to face Tamworth Local Court next month.

Thursday’s launch follows data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research showing NSW Police recorded incidents of youth crime-related violent and property crime are down 20 per cent and break-and-enter and vehicle thefts are down 19 per cent per cent across Moree over the past two years.

Mr Lanyon said remoteness and a history of serious crime in the district were key reasons to trial the drones in Moree.

“There had been a number of serious crimes in Moree, and they have a disproportionate impact on the community,” he said.

“We needed somewhere to trial the drones that is remote to Sydney, and Moree is the perfect location to test and see that they work.”