Chester county residents alarmed by drone sightings over homes

Chester County Residents Alarmed by Recurring Drone Sightings Over Homes

Residents in a Chester County neighborhood are raising privacy concerns after a large drone has repeatedly been spotted hovering over homes at night.

The sightings have been reported in the Wallace Township area, including the Howson development, where residents say the drone has appeared regularly between roughly 8 and 11 p.m. West Brandywine police say officers have witnessed the aircraft themselves and have been investigating the activity for weeks.

One resident told 6ABC that she first noticed the drone in December and began seeing it more frequently. She said neighbors have reported the aircraft hovering near bedroom and bathroom windows, including skylights.

“Between 10 and 11 p.m., they’re always over my bedroom and bathroom window, just hovering,” the resident said.

Police are particularly concerned that the drone could be equipped with a high-resolution camera capable of photographing private property or looking inside homes. The department has notified the Federal Aviation Administration about the sightings.

“These drones can be equipped with high resolution cameras and have extreme zoom capabilities,” police said.

Authorities have also pushed back against speculation that the drone may be searching for a lost pet, saying that is not believed to be the case. Police have asked residents to remain alert and report sightings.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine who is operating the drone and whether any laws have been violated. Residents with information are encouraged to contact the West Brandywine Twp and Police Office at 610-380-8201.