Residents warned after mysterious drone spotted flying over homes in Chester County
Residents fed up after mysterious drone spotted flying over homes in Chester County
Residents are expressing their concerns after a mysterious drone was seen flying over homes in Chester County.
WEST BRANDYWINE, Pa. - Police in Chester County are warning residents to stay vigilant after a mysterious drone has been spotted flying over, and allegedly peering into, homes for over a month.
What we know:
The West Brandywine Police Department says neighbors in the Howson Development have most recently reported seeing the drone.
Sightings happened between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., according to police, and have also been reported in the area of Fairview, Devereux, Little Conestoga and Lamb Tabern.
Police say the large drone with red and white flashing lights in a triangle pattern may be equipped with high-resolution cameras capable of zooming into homes.
"Residents that live in these areas are being urged to be mindful of this aircraft, and to be diligent, especially if you have skylights on the roof," the department wrote in a Facebook post.
What we don't know:
The pilot of the drone remains unknown at this time, according to police. The individual could face harsh criminal penalties if police determine he or she is invading the privacy of residents.
"Each home that this drone enters carries additional counts of offenses, and if the pilot is identified, sanctions will be levied, including criminal charges," police added.
What they're saying:
In a statement given to FOX 29 News, Chief Jeff Kimes said his department "continues to work this case diligently to get answers."
"We would hope that any legitimate matter that could be occurring, especially at 11 p.m. hovering over private homes, the drone operators would do the right thing and contact us (required or not) and place everyone at ease," Kimes said.
Local perspective:
A spacious home with windows and skylights is what drew Danielle Goel and her family to their development in Wallace Township, but now it’s the reason she’s concerned for their safety and privacy.
She says neighbors on Whitetail Ridge have also reported drone sightings.
"It’s concerning on many levels for privacy but also I have two young children," she said. "I don’t know why our neighborhood specifically is isolated to this and in the evening it would seem impossible that they would be able to get photos or any kind of videos that would be beneficial other than something that’s inappropriate."
What you can do:
Neighbors are urged to report any sightings of the drone to the West Brandywine Police Department.
"The use of a drone to invade someone's personal privacy (especially home space), will not be tolerated and the maximum, allowable penalties will be pursued," police said.