Video Images Have Led To Several Convictions

Authorities in Westmeath, Ireland are using video captured by drones to identify and prosecute people dumping trash illegally in the county, leading to several convictions for the offense.

The Westmeath Independent newspaper reports that the aircraft are being used by the Environment, Water and Emergency Services SPC to fight illegal dumping in scenic areas of the county.

Two still images ... blurred several times to hide the identity of the offenders, according to Westmeath County Council official Kieran Jordan ... shows a woman illegally dumping trash. A third image shows two men also illegally dumping trash at an undisclosed area. Both were identified an fined to cover the costs of removing the illegal trash, according to the report.

The SPC is using a DJI Phantom 4 drone equipped with a 4K camera. The camera can capture images of license plates and the people themselves, according to contractor Joe Duffy.

Jordan said that the aircraft have allowed the SPC to gather evidence that would not have been obtained in any other way. "This particular incident that I’m showing you today is to show you the power of the drone," he said.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report