Police use drones to catch thieves in Lawrence

LAWRENCE, Kansas – Police officers in Lawrence, Kansas, headed to work in the early morning hours Tuesday.

The investigators used a number of high-tech Drones to track down two suspectseven though it was pitch black outside.

Neighbors in the River Ridge neighborhood reported to police that these two individuals, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy, were breaking into cars and stealing anything they could. Police have not released the names of the two suspects, but they are both behind bars.

Some neighbors told Lawrence Police investigators that these two individuals also checked the front doors to see if they were unlocked.

Kenny Kaberline, a homeowner in the area, said police officers woke him up around 4 a.m. to notify him that someone had broken into his car, as well as numerous others on the street. Police often describe such break-ins as crimes of opportunity.

“Even when we left the house for a short walk a minute ago, I made sure to lock the door. We have an electronic door lock. I pressed the button for it,” Kaberline said Tuesday morning.

Homeowners in the River Ridge area believe their neighborhood is safe. When Lawrence police officers arrived at the scene early this morning, Douglas County Sheriff’s officers were already on site.

When the two suspects saw the officers, they ran into a wooded area. There, Lawrence police officers used a high-tech drone that can see in the dark to track down the suspects.

Lawrence Police Sergeant Drew Fennelly said such property crimes are common, but he cannot say they are increasing in Lawrence.

“It’s very easy for people to come in and get out,” Sergeant Fennelly said Tuesday afternoon.

Fennelly is the leader of the police department’s 26 drone pilots. He said some items have been stolen in the River Ridge neighborhood and officers are still investigating the extent of the thefts. Fennelly said the drones, which have thermal imaging capabilities, are powerful tools.

“If you don’t catch someone in time, it becomes very difficult to solve these cases. Anytime we are able to solve these cases quickly, we are very grateful for it,” Fennelly said.

“We’re not used to a lot of crime in the neighborhood,” said Mike Hansen, another River Ridge neighbor. “It’s pretty disgusting to just go out and steal something from someone’s yard.”

Lawrence Police Detectives would like to speak to anyone who believes they had items stolen in this incident. They ask that you call police at (785) 832-7509.