The Metropolitan Police in the UK is considering using eagles to take out drones operated by criminals, according to a news report.
The Times reports that UK police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is considering the crime fighting tactic already used by officers in Holland.
Dutch police have teamed-up with security firm Guard From Above (GFA) which trains birds of prey to identify drones as prey and snatch them out of the sky.
GFA co-founder Ben de Keijzer said: “I have had a passion for birds of prey since I was very young.
“Two of the most impressive characteristics of birds of prey are their speed and their power. They use their strength and speed when they hunt. They are the masters of the air. By using our special training methods, we can teach them to intercept drones.”
A press release issued by the company said: “The animal instinct of a bird of prey is unique. They are made to be able to overpower fast-moving prey.
“Sometimes the solution to a hypermodern problem is more obvious than you might think.”
Drones, pilot-less aircraft which are controlled remotely, are already being used by police officers to capture footage on difficult terrain, including cliffs and woodland.
But there are concerns criminal gangs are also capitalising on the opportunities presented by the new technology, including their use in the illegal drugs trade.
A Met Police spokesman said: “As would be expected in an organisation that is transforming we take an interest in all innovative new ideas and will of course be looking at the work of the Dutch police use of eagles.”
The Ministy of Justice reported nine attempts to use drones to infiltrate prisons in England and Wales in the first five months of 2015.
A think tank has also warned that drones could be used by terrorist groups.
The UK Air Proximity Board said last month that drones had been involved in four serious near misses at UK airports.
The birds would help by taking down the aircraft, which they would consider to be prey.
