Teenagers Track Boat Thieves With Drone

As the debate in regards to drones, public airspace and privacy concerns has yet to reach a culmination, a pair of teens were able to utilize their UAV and ultimately stop a crime in progress.

In a story line rivaling Phillip K Dick’s Minority report, the boys tracked alleged boat thieves with a radio controlled drone and contacted authorities Wednesday.  Police were able to piece together the crook’s final destination from aerial footage and were waiting in force at the location.  Two suspects were taken into custody.

From ABC News:

“When they awoke the next morning at around 11 a.m., they heard suspicious motor-boat sounds coming from the Saratoga Passage, where they had tied their boat, Chris told ABC News.

After looking out their window, they saw the suspects attempting to take the boat, tying it to a speedboat, Chris said. The teens started shouting at the alleged thieves and the suspects took off, boat in tow.”

The drone, a Phantom 4 with a high definition camera mounted on a gimbal for stability, was able to pursue the thieves for a short period and compile some amazing video footage.  According to DJI the manufacturer of the drone, the Phantom 4 can reach a maximum speed of 44.7 mph and has a battery life of 28 minutes.

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