Crime & Safety
Drone Sightings Plaguing Eastern PA Neighborhood, FAA To Investigate
Police fear the incidents, which have been ongoing for months, may involve stealth photography of the insides of homes.
WEST BRANDYWINE, PA — Residents in a Chester County community continue to be plagued by sightings of drones that fly over local homes nearly every night.
Police say that the incidents have been ongoing for months and their own investigation has been underway for weeks.
The incidents are focused in Wallace Township in the Howson Development. It usually occurs between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. and has been witnessed by police officers in addition to local residents.
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The drone is described as large with red and whit lights that flash in a triangle pattern.
Police said they are concerned the drone may be photographing local properties, including the insides of homes.
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"These drones can be equipped with high resolution cameras and have extreme zoom capabilities," police said.
The FAA has been notified and may assist in the investigation.
Residents in the areas of Howson, Fairview, Devereux, Little Conestoga, and Lamb Tavern have been asked to stay alert and contact police any time they see the drone.
Authorities were adamant that the drone was not being used for a legitimate purpose, specifically debunking a rumor that it was being used to search for a pet.
"The use of a drone to invade someone's personal privacy, (especially home space), will not be tolerated and the maximum, allowable penalties will be pursued," the police department added.
If you have any information, call police at 610-380-8201 or email Officer Brandon McMillen at Bmcmillen@wbrandywinepd.org.
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