coldair
25th Apr 2010, 18:04
From the BBC;
BBC News - Alert over suspicious aircraft activity in Kent (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/8642712.stm)
Alert over suspicious aircraft
Members of the public are being asked to report any suspicious aircraft activity across Kent as part of efforts to increase border security.
Kent Police said it took only 10 minutes to fly across the English Channel into the county, which has about 120 public and private airfields.
It said suspicious activity could be a clue in crimes linked to terrorism, drug smuggling or human trafficking.
Illegal firearms smuggling and money laundering could also be involved.
“ The community can play an important part in intelligence gathering and helping us investigate illegal aviation and associated crimes ”
Det Insp Charlie Stokes Kent Police
Last December, Frenchman Eric Adrien Laou-Hep was jailed after he flew into Laddingford Airport, Maidstone in a light aircraft without permission and smuggled seven illegal immigrants into the UK.
He admitted assisting illegal entry when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.
Police said the airport manager informed police after spotting the immigrants running away from the aircraft.
"The community can play an important part in intelligence gathering and helping us investigate illegal aviation and associated crimes simply by knowing what comprises suspicious activity and reporting it," said Det Insp Charlie Stokes. Suspicious activity might include aircraft flying very slowly and low, circling, or taking off or landing at odd times such as in the early hours.
BBC News - Alert over suspicious aircraft activity in Kent (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/8642712.stm)
Alert over suspicious aircraft
Members of the public are being asked to report any suspicious aircraft activity across Kent as part of efforts to increase border security.
Kent Police said it took only 10 minutes to fly across the English Channel into the county, which has about 120 public and private airfields.
It said suspicious activity could be a clue in crimes linked to terrorism, drug smuggling or human trafficking.
Illegal firearms smuggling and money laundering could also be involved.
“ The community can play an important part in intelligence gathering and helping us investigate illegal aviation and associated crimes ”
Det Insp Charlie Stokes Kent Police
Last December, Frenchman Eric Adrien Laou-Hep was jailed after he flew into Laddingford Airport, Maidstone in a light aircraft without permission and smuggled seven illegal immigrants into the UK.
He admitted assisting illegal entry when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.
Police said the airport manager informed police after spotting the immigrants running away from the aircraft.
"The community can play an important part in intelligence gathering and helping us investigate illegal aviation and associated crimes simply by knowing what comprises suspicious activity and reporting it," said Det Insp Charlie Stokes. Suspicious activity might include aircraft flying very slowly and low, circling, or taking off or landing at odd times such as in the early hours.