DRONE flights are on the rise prompting fears that paedophiles could be using them for sinister purposes, a Ceredigion County Council committee chairman has said.

Cllr Elizabeth Evans asked if concerns had been raised about drones as the council’s coordination overview and scrutiny committee discussed a recent community safety partnership crime and disorder strategic assessment.

She also asked what the authority could to do to make sure rules and regulations were widely known.

“I’m really concerned that there’s an over-use of drones which is affecting people’s privacy and I’m very concerned about the safety of children regarding the use of drones,” she said.

“I honestly think that people who are buying these drones on Amazon or in Currys don’t understand the privacy laws and regulations relating to them.

“There’s so many flying over Aberaeron and I’ve noticed very low flying drones. There was one incident where small children were laying in the paddling pool in the garden and a drone was flying over them.

“Paedophile rings – they exist. At a football tournament at the weekend, there were two convicted paedophiles, the police were called and they were arrested and taken away,” said Cllr Evans, who represents the seaside town.

“It’s not about trying to stop them, it’s about education of the clear guidelines,” she added.

Cllr Mark Strong said he too had similar concerns, especially with those using drones without the necessary Civil Aviation Authority licence.

“It’s seemingly not being policed and there’s people putting cameras on these things,” said Cllr Strong.

The author of the report, Alan Garrod, said drones were a new technology and use was increasing by bodies such as the police for specific operations.

He highlighted the restrictions that are placed on proper use of the machines but there had been a “proliferation” of drones as they are now so readily and easily available.

Mr Garrod added he would feed back concerns to Dyfed-Powys Police.