National Rural Crime Update - use of drones for reconnaissance

USE OF DRONE AT RURAL PROPERTIES FOR HOSTILE RECONNAISANCE

On 18th February 2026 at about 5pm a homeowner in a rural property near to Gartocharn was alerted to a large drone, possibly a DJI MAVIC, flying over his property and aimed towards his open garage.

It is believed that the drone was being used to conduct surveillance with a view to targeting items to steal at a later time and date.

The matter was reported to Police on reference PS-20260219-1459. If you were in the area and you saw anything or you heard anything please contact Police either by phone on 101, online at Contact Us form | Police Scotland or 999 if you think a crime is in progress.

If you see any drones flying over remote or rural properties, please consider contacting Police with by Contact Us form | Police Scotland or 101. 

We know that drones are increasingly being used to enable criminal enterprise.

Please feel free to share this information with anyone you think this Alert may be relevant to.  

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