GWENT Police has seen a huge increase in the number of drone incidents they have dealt with in the past year.

Information released in a freedom of information request showed the force has dealt with 19 complaints of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) in 2015-16. That means it is the second busiest force in Wales to deal with such requests.

Only South Wales Police dealt with more – 38 separate incidents – over the last year.

There were no reported drone incidents from 2011 until 2014, and then just one in 2014-15.

But then in the next year it saw an increase of 1,800 per cent. Of those, 11 were classed as so called public safety and welfare problems, and another four were classed as anti-social behaviour.

No one was prosecuted.

Gwent Police superintendent Ian Roberts said: “The popularity in drones has recently soared and we have seen the effect of this in Gwent, with calls relating to drones activity in the force area increasing.

“Anyone can own a drone but you do need to understand the rules and regulations and your personal responsibility in relation to flying them. They can be a fun and enjoyable hobby but can also pose risks.

“The pilot is responsible for each flight; they are responsible for avoiding collisions and should an accident occur as a result of their drone they will be liable for any compensation or criminal proceedings.”

The use of drones, mostly for leisure, has increased greatly as their price has reduced. Models can cost as little as £100.

They have become popularised to the extent that a British Airways passenger’s plane was reported to have been hit by one as it approached Heathrow Airport.

Under the Civil Aviation Authority guidance drones must not be flown higher than 400 feet, people must see them at all times when they are flown and drones with cameras must not be flown within 50 metres of people or any structures.