Police probe into drone strikes on Napier hill home – paint and nails dropped on house

Police are investigating drone strikes on a Napier house, which have dropped paint and nails on to it. Photo / Unsplash

Police are making inquiries after what is thought to be the latest of a series of airstrikes on a Napier house in which paint and nails have been dropped from a drone.

They said a drone was reported to have been used to drop the paint and nails on to a house in Brewster St in Napier, off Shakespeare Rd on the city side of Bluff Hill.

The incident reported to police happened about 2.30pm last Friday, they said.

They are seeking information from anyone in the Clyde Rd and Brewster St area who may have CCTV footage or any other relevant information.

It has been reported up to 10 such strikes have taken place over the last three months.

The Civil Aviation Authority says a drone operator must not allow any object to be dropped in flight if such action creates a hazard to other persons or property, and a person operating a “remotely piloted aircraft” must avoid operating above property unless prior consent has been obtained.

“In some serious situations, where a significant danger is created, the CAA or Police could consider charges under sections 44 and 46 of the Civil Aviation Act 2023,” they said.

Penalties can be up to 12 months imprisonment or fines up to $10,000.

Drone usage that creates a safety or security risk, is illegal, or involves criminal damage, may result in the CAA working with police to investigate and potentially prosecute the operator.

Reports can be made at aviation.govt.nz/drones/report-an-incident, while information relating to the incidents in Napier can be reported via the 105 police line, quoting file 251101/2446.