Moment crime-fighting drones catch shoplifters in minutes in new theft crackdown

THE terrifying future of crime-fighting has arrived in the form of drones that are now capable of pursuing criminals in action.

One police force has recruited the technology seemingly straight out of science fiction to tackle theft and other petty crimes.

Police in Bensalem Township, Pennslyvania, just 30 minutes northeast of Philadelphia recently released footage of drones tracking down and helping catch suspected thieves to local ABC News affiliate WPVI.

Detective Glenn Vandegrift explained that their “small fleet” of drones is part of a Bensalem Secure Task Force, meant to address growing retail theft issues.

“Our goal is to bring our business community together in collaboration with law enforcement to reduce theft with practical and sustainable solutions,” reads the task force’s website.

Last year, the county reported nearly 900 retail thefts; up around 50% from just four years prior.

In 2019, they reported only 484 retail theft incidents.

Part of the effectiveness of the drones is credited to the speed at which they can be dispatched and locate suspects.

Because they are airflown, and not bound by traffic patterns or traditional road routes, the police say an operator can typically get a device on the scene within two minutes.

“Our clearance rate for retail thefts is 62%. That is significantly higher than the national average,” said Vandegrift.

The detective believes the success of his department should serve to inspire other departments to invest in drone technology.

HOW IT WORKS

When a call is made regarding a shoplifting incident, the department immediately dispatches a drone, equipped with a camera that allows real-time footage and video recording to search for and go after the thief.

Once the drone operator locates a perpetrator, they track the individual until law enforcement can apprehend them.

In one instance, a perpetrator stole a bicycle and was caught using drones.

A description of the thief, the bike, and the location of the incident were provided to the police and a drone was able to locate and follow the suspect.

Less than a mile from where the bicycle was stolen, officers made an arrest using information fed to them by the drone operator in pursuit.

Another suspect, in an undisclosed crime, was also seen being arrested on drone footage.

“This guy would have been able to get away if the drone was not involved,” contented Vandergrift.

The video revealed the fleeing suspected thief looking over his shoulder as he ran through a parking lot before crossing a road.

Shortly after making his way across the road, two police cars pull up and officers jump out, apprehending the suspect.

While some might think that this is an excessive amount of effort for shoplifting, Vandergrift has a different perspective.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s $20 or $200, we’re coming at you just as hard,” he said.

Their drone technology might also one day be used in other criminal investigations and chases.