British prison tests out system to stop drones smuggling drugs and weapons over the perimeter fence
Les Nicolles Prison on Guernsey installs 'Sky Fence' that detects and blocks remote controlled flying machines
A BRITISH prison has become the first in the world to use a new system designed to stop drones smuggling drugs, weapons and other contraband over perimeter walls.
The technology is called "Sky Fence" and creates a 600m shield around a prison which will detect and deflect the remote-controlled devices.
It uses a series of 'disruptors' - sensors to jam the drone's computer - and block its frequency and control protocols.
The operator's screen will go black and the drone will be bounced back to where it came from.
Drones have become a major security problem in Britain's prisons and are increasingly used to smuggle in drugs, weapons, phones and other valuables.
The new system is being introduced at Les Nicolles Prison on Guernsey, where around 20 disruptors will be installed on the perimeter and inside.
The Channel Island jail was initially going to install a drone detection system but went a step further to put in the technology that stops drones in flight.
Prisoner governor David Matthews said: "This is the first time this technology has been used in any prison anywhere in the world.
"I would like to see it adopted in other UK prisons because it has become a significant problem there.
"This is about prevention."
Sky Fence has been created by UK companies Drone Defence and Eclipse Digital Solutions.
Nottingham-based company Drone Defence has worked on the idea in the past year.
Founder and CEO Richard Gill said: "It disrupts the control network between the flyer and the drone.
"The drone then activates return to home mode and it will then fly back to the position where it had signal with its flyer.
"Someone described it as the final piece in a prison's security puzzle. I think it could have a significant worldwide impact."
Mr Gill said the technology is perfectly safe and does not 'hack' or damage the drones.
It is relatively cheap to install - depending on the size of the prison - with costs ranging from £100,000 to £250,000.
MOST READ IN TECH AND SCIENCE
Eclipse managing director Alan Drinkwater said they had modified existing technology to create Sky Fence.
The new system in Guernsey is part of a £1.7 million security upgrade that also includes new cameras, a new lighting system and new alarms.
The final phases of the work are being completed and the upgrades are due to be ready by June.
Les Nicolles is a mixed category prison which holds both men and women, young offenders and adults, and has a capacity of just 139.
It opened in 1989 and its population has fallen to an all-time low in recent years.
It is independent of the mainland prison and justice system and is run by the State of Guernsey.
Guernsey's Home Affairs president Deputy Mary Lowe said the introduction of the technology was "an exciting time".
She said: "Here we have Guernsey leading the way in the world."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368