Concerns over privacy as sales of drones soar this Christmas
The CLA say their members are concerned drones could be used to aid thefts.
As sales of drones are predicted to reach an all-time high in the North East this Christmas, some say our privacy could be breached.
The Country Land and Business Association say their members have raised concerns over the use of drones near farms and businesses.
It's feared the drones could be used to aid thefts by revealing equipment and out-houses that could otherwise be concealed from public view.
Dorothy Fairburn is the North Regional Director of the CLA and says while drones are fun, people must be considerate of people below.
She said: "We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun over Christmas, but the growth in the availability of drones with high resolution cameras for consumer use, rather than industry, presents a significant risk to privacy and requires action.
“Earlier in the year we put forward workable proposals for regulation reform, and we will be pressing the relevant authorities in Europe and within the UK to address this issue. “I urge those buying drones as gifts for friends and families to use common sense and follow the CLA’s top tips when operating them in order to ensure both public safety and privacy.”
It's as the sales of high street drones have risen by a quarter already this year in the lead up to Christmas.
Electronics dealer Maplin say they've sold 10,000 drones over the past 12 months.
Steve Robins works for Heliguy, who train North East drone users, he says more education would help.
He says: “I think we probably need to enforce the existing regulations for hobbyist drones a bit more, or certainly educate in a better way.
"The problem is, that people can buy a drone straight out of the box, you know what people are like they want to play first and look at the instruction manual afterwards.
"Perhaps by then it’s too late.”
The CLA have offered top tips on how best to use your drone if you get one for Christmas.
- Fly safely and understand the law; you are legally responsible for every flight and could be prosecuted if found to be operating a drone in an unsafe manner. 2. Respect the privacy of others and obtain permission before flying over privately owned land or property. 3. Never fly within 50 metres of people or buildings. 4. Animals can be easily be frightened by drones which can cause injury to them and others. 5. Use common sense when operating a drone: keep it in sight at all times and do not fly above 400 feet.