POLICE in Cumbria are dealing with a 150 per cent surge in complaints about drones - with reckless handling and low flying of the hand-controlled devices prompting angry calls from residents.

Newly uncovered information shows the force was notified of an individual flying a drone over HMP Haverigg, near Millom, in both 2016 and 2017, while officers were also alerted to someone flying a drone over gas works at Rampside, near Barrow.

A total of five householders contacted police after spotting a drone flying over their home with five more irritated by a drone hovering over their garden.

Two further complaints were received about drones being flown erratically over traffic, while officers were contacted on three occasions when they were spotted flying near to a school and children's playground.

One person even reported that they had been followed by a drone.

Now, Cumbria police are urging people to be aware of the law surrounding the use of drones in a public place to make sure they do not end up committing a criminal offence.

Chief inspector Matt Kennerley said drone ownership had increased in Cumbria with more and more people taking up the hobby.

He added some purchased the devices without first researching the rules of flying and the laws that apply.

"The UK Dronecode is set by the Civil Aviation Authority in order to assist drone users to fly safely and legally," he added.

"Many people, like myself, have an interest in this technology and use drones as a hobby.

"We are also very aware that this technology is becoming increasingly popular and we are seeing more and more people using drones within Cumbria.

“We are not here to spoil your fun. We just simply want to encourage people to refresh themselves with the law and advice to ensure that they enjoy using drones responsibly.”

The list of complaints was unveiled using the Freedom of Information Act.

It found the constabulary logged seven complaints in 2015, a figure that leapt to 17 for each of the years 2016 and 2017.

None resulted in the recording of a crime.

Most occurred in Carlisle with 10 complaints received, followed by four in Barrow and four in Kendal.

In January, police described the use of a drone over the playground at Thomlinson Junior School at Wigton as 'unacceptable'.

The device was reported to have been just two feet above pupil's heads.

However, while drone ownership is rising in Cumbria, the county has already seen a prosecution after a man flew a drone in restricted airspace at BAE Systems in Barrow.

Robert Knowles, of Dalton, was convicted of flying an unmanned device within 50 metres of the Walney Bridge and over the shipyard, where Britain's nuclear submarines are built.

He was fined £800 and ordered to pay £3,500 in court costs and a £40 victim surcharge.

The £2,000 device was also destroyed after it crashed into the sea.

Don't break the law when flying a drone - here's everything you need to know

Cumbria Police advise anyone with a drone, as well as those thinking of buying one, to make sure they are aware of the laws in place before attempting to fly them.

Safety

: Always keep your drone in sight to ensure you can see and avoid things if needed.

: Stay below 400ft in compliance with the Dronecode.

: Be aware. On each flight ensure you are doing so in line with the manufacturer’s instructions to keep yourself, your drone and other people safe.

: Keep the right distance from people and property: 150ft from people and properties. 500ft from crowds and built-up areas.

The Law

: You are responsible for each flight and failing to fly responsibly could result in criminal prosecution.

: Stay away from aircraft, airports and airfields.

: A drone that endangers the safety of an aircraft can result in a five-year prison sentence.

: For more information on using drones safely and legally please visit www.dronesafe.uk

Accidents

: You are liable for any damage or injury caused to a person or property by a drone under Section 76 of the Civil Aviation Act.

: The victim could pursue compensation from you in the same way as a car accident.

Drones boost businesses in Cumbria

Businesses across the county are finding innovative ways to deploy drones to attract new customers and boost income.

The devices are being used commercially to provide sweeping aerial video at weddings at venues while estate agents are also using photography taken from the air to showcase large properties and the landscape surrounding them.

Utility companies now carry out inspections of infrastructure in hard to reach places with footage taken by drones.

And even Cumbria Police use the machines to help undertake searches and to provide a bird's eye view during some operations.

In total, experts within accountants PwC predict drones will contribute £42 billion to the UK economy by 2030.

Elaine Whyte, of PwC, said: “Drones have the potential to offer a powerful new perspective for businesses across a variety of industries, delivering both productivity benefits and increased value from the data they collect."