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UK - Drones Are 'Without Doubt the Future of Policing'

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has described drones as the future of neighbourhood policing after using them to help seize 130 illegal off-road bikes across north Manchester in less than a year. Officers say the aircraft are cheaper and more discreet than the force helicopter for many urban tasks.

In one operation covered by the BBC, a drone tracked a stolen bike spotted in Boggart Hole Clough to an address in Charlestown, where ground teams searched the property and arrested three suspects. Commanders directed the response from a van using live video relayed from the aircraft.

GMP is expanding its fleet of weather-capable drones—some with thermal imaging for night work—and training more pilots. The force also uses drones at football matches and festivals, for missing-person searches, warrant support, and serious motorway incidents.

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