Calais police using drones to arrest migrants before they cross Channel
Police in Calais are using drones to locate migrants preparing to cross the Channel by boat, so that they can be arrested before they reach the water.
In an escalation of security measures, the remotely controlled aerial vehicles have been seen flying low above the main Calais Migrant camp and sweeping across nearby beaches.
Drones can cover much more ground in much less time than other vehicles, and are able to relay a live video camera feed.
Ingrid Parrot, from the French Naval headquarters for the Channel and North Sea, said: “What we are trying to do with the police is exchange information and stop the migrants reaching the sea.
“Our aim is to stop people on the beach reaching the water.
“In the last three weeks, we have increased the number of ships and helicopters in the area to dissuade the migrants from attempting to go out to sea.
“The police, I understand have also increased their numbers on the ground to stop people getting into boats.”
Calais police using drones to arrest migrants before they cross Channel