As a taxpayer I have to agree with you Frying Pan.
Too much money wasted in the past on stupid incidents like this that a plod on a bike would have solved years ago.
A machete-wielding teenager who sparked a massive police manhunt including a helicopter, armed police and dogs, was actually just filming for a college project.
The 18-year-old student was reported to the police by members of the public in Norwich, who were concerned the weapon was real. But the hunt was called off after the suspect's mother rang Norfolk Police to tell them the machete was fake, ITV reported.
Superintendent Stuart Gunn said: "Strong words of advice were given by police to the 18-year-old male with regards to the alarm that had been caused.
"We would kindly ask members of the public if they are planning any sort of activity or filming in a public place that may prompt concern amongst the public and, consequently, trigger any police activity, to call us in advance so that we can give suitable advice.
"If the police receive reports of what is believed to be a weapon, openly displayed in public places or used in an inappropriate manner then we need to react promptly to the information that we are given at the time."
source
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015...n_6711422.html
It appears most police helicopter operations outside of London involve chasing kids in stolen cars baiting the plod and ending up with a rap on the knuckles and a starring role in the Police Camera Action series on tv.
The problem in the past was the local forces had a use it or lose it mentality.
Another similar example here
The police helicopter, a dog unit and officers were out in force to arrest two men following the theft of a Land Rover.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “Two men were arrested last night following the theft of a Land Rover in Purleigh.
http://m.gazette-news.co.uk/news/117..._theft/?ref=mr
Who in their right mind would authorise the launch of a helicopter for a Land Rover that will be insured in any case?
In Bournemouth another example.
The police helicopter was scrambled to Poole yesterday evening after two men were seen attempting to steal fuel from a car.
A spokesman from Dorset Police said officers were called to Clover Drive at around 8.50pm following reports two men had been spotted trying to siphon fuel from the vehicle.
The spokesman said: “The NPAS helicopter searched the area but no one was found. The matter is subject to an investigation.”
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/new...m_car_/?ref=mr