Residents near HMP Long Lartin express unease as drone incursions linked to contraband smuggling increase, prompting multiple police investigations.
Residents living near HMP Long Lartin, a high-security prison located near Evesham in Worcestershire, are voicing concerns about a significant increase in drone activity in the area, claiming there are up to seven drones operating simultaneously in recent months. This uptick in aerial activity is linked to attempts to smuggle contraband, including drugs, into the prison, which houses some of the UK’s most dangerous criminals.
The incidents have led to numerous law enforcement operations, with West Mercia Police confirming they are currently managing nine investigations related to drone incursions into the prison. So far, 18 individuals have been arrested in connection with these activities, and at least seven drones have been confiscated by authorities.
Footage released by the police this week captures a tense arrest of a drone pilot following a car chase, during which law enforcement recovered both a quantity of drugs and a drone. Two men, aged 20 and 21, were taken into custody under suspicion of attempting to smuggle prohibited items into the prison.
Residents of South Littleton, a village situated close to HMP Long Lartin, have expressed their distress over the disturbances caused by these drone operations. Villagers allege that the drones are used regularly to drop class A drugs, mobile phones, and even weapons into the facility. One local, who chose to remain anonymous, described the situation, saying, “We’ve had five, six, seven drones at once sometimes.” They also characterised the drones as “large helicopter-style” devices capable of carrying substantial packages. Concerns were raised about the implications for local safety, with the resident commenting, “It’s really problematic and a little bit unnerving.”
Another anonymous resident echoed similar sentiments, stating, “They come across on a regular basis. Usually at night. You can have two or three in an evening sometimes.” They noted that the drones are often visible only by flashing lights, as operators tend to remain far from the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector James Bamber from south Worcestershire acknowledged the impact of these organised drone operations on local communities. He reassured residents that the police are diligently working in partnership with the prison to combat criminal gangs involved. He stated, “We recognise that these drone incursions are also impacting our communities local to HMP Long Lartin.”
Bamber urged community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, explaining, “Intelligence previously reported to us regarding drone sightings has often led to intercepting drones or suspicious vehicles, resulting in the apprehension of suspected individuals.” He emphasised the importance of local insight, asking residents to inform the authorities about any unusual vehicles or drone sightings near the prison.
Despite ongoing police efforts, locals are left feeling apprehensive about their safety and the continued threat posed by these drone activities. The concerns raised by residents reflect a wider anxiety regarding the increasing sophistication of criminal operations targeting high-security facilities in the UK.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2025/april/west-mercia-police-tackles-drones-in-the-airspace-over-hmp-long-lartin/ – This article supports the claim that West Mercia Police is actively working to combat drone incursions at HMP Long Lartin, including seizing drones and arresting individuals involved. It also highlights the collaboration between police and prison authorities to tackle the issue.
- https://www.itv.com/news/2025-01-14/drug-drops-from-drones-to-prisons-a-national-security-threat-watchdog-warns – ITV News reports on the national security threat posed by drones used to deliver contraband into UK prisons, including HMP Long Lartin. This corroborates the article’s mention of drones being used to smuggle drugs into the prison.
- https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-01-14/debates/3EAE8FBA-B110-4C1A-A5F2-CE64AE2E5C49/DronesHigh-SecurityPrisons – This parliamentary debate highlights the security concerns and efforts being made to address drone activity around high-security prisons in the UK, which aligns with the article’s discussion on the issue at HMP Long Lartin.
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance – Although not directly related to drones at HMP Long Lartin, this document on federal guidance might help contextualize broader issues of security and surveillance in the use of drones and other technologies.
- https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/sites/default/files/documents/report_volume5.pdf – This Senate Intelligence Committee report, while not directly addressing drone use in prisons, provides insights into broader security concerns and counterintelligence efforts, which could be relevant to understanding organized crime tactics.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative seems recent and does not reference any outdated events or individuals. However, specific dates are not provided for the drone incidents, which could indicate the information might be part of ongoing concerns.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
Quotes from residents and Detective Chief Inspector James Bamber are included but lack specific dates or previous references, making them potentially original. An increase in the score due to the lack of evidence that these quotes are reused.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Birmingham Mail, a local newspaper known for its reliability in reporting regional news. However, it may not carry the same global authority as major news outlets like the BBC or Reuters.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims of increased drone activity and smuggling attempts are plausible given the context of high-security prisons. However, specific details like the exact number of drones at once or the consistent visibility of flashing lights are not fully verified.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be recent and concerns a legitimate issue affecting local communities. Quotes provided seem original, and the source is generally reliable. While some details cannot be fully verified, the overall plausibility of the claims supports the narrative’s credibility.
