Lincolnshire Police used a drone to follow a mini moto rider through roads and footpaths in Gainsborough on July 15, ending the incident with an arrest rather than a risky ground pursuit.
Drone followed where patrol cars could not
The force recorded the event as incident 418 of July 15 and said it will make the full tracking footage public once it is no longer needed for court. Officers detained the rider on suspicion of multiple offences, including having no insurance and being over the legal drink‑drive limit.
“Meanwhile in Gainsborough, our Lincs Police Drone Unit tracked this rider of a mini moto on roads and footpaths,”
The use of the drone proved decisive because the small motorbike moved between pavements and carriageways — terrain where conventional police vehicles cannot follow safely. In such situations a foot chase would be impractical and hazardous; the aircraft can maintain observation regardless of surface.
How the drone unit operates locally
Lincolnshire Police has invested in a dedicated drone unit with several bases across the county to provide round‑the‑clock coverage in places where officers on four wheels cannot keep up. The unit’s patrols are increasingly used to gather evidence and reduce risk during pursuits.
- Incident logged as 418 of July 15.
- Arrest on suspicion of multiple offences, including no insurance and being over the drink‑drive limit.
- Full drone footage to be released after court processes finish.
Residents responded quickly on social media when the force posted about the operation, with many requesting similar deployments in other neighbourhoods.
Practical context for local people
Mini motos present a particular enforcement challenge. They are often unregistered and uninsured, and when ridden through built‑up areas they can create both nuisance and danger. The drone unit allows officers to track a vehicle until it can be stopped safely and evidence collected for possible prosecution.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Gainsborough |
| Incident number | 418 (15 July) |
| Suspected offences | No insurance; over the drink‑drive limit; other offences not specified |
Anyone with information about similar incidents or who witnesses dangerous riding is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police in the usual way so officers can assess whether drone support or other resources are needed.
