Somerset County Addresses 'Growing Community Concerns' Over Drones

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County issued a statement following recent reports of drone activity in the area:

"Somerset County is aware of the growing community concerns regarding the recent drone sightings in the area, and we are actively engaged with our local, state, and federal partners on the issue. While at this time federal Homeland Security officials have stated there is no known threat, the safety of our residents continues to be our top priority and we are taking the presence of these drones seriously.

Somerset County’s Office of Emergency Management has been coordinating with all levels of law enforcement to ensure an open pipeline of information. We encourage residents to help in the effort to obtain credible information by reporting drone sightings to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or http://tips.fbi.gov."

Thousands of tips have come in to the Federal Bureau of Investigation since they began investigating residents' reports of increased drone activity in their neighborhoods, and near important infrastructure. Local officials in more than half the state are fielding these same reports, including police and fire companies.

Most recently, a report of a drone crashing in a field in Hillsborough was reported and prompted police, firefighters, hazmat, and New Jersey State Police Aviation Units to search for it. No downed drone was ultimately recovered. Read More: Hazmat, Cops, Helicopters Search For Reported Crashed Drone In Hillsborough Field

To report drone activity: Call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit the tip online to tips.fbi.gov. Videos can be uploaded to the tip site. If you are unable to reach the FBI, report the sighting to the NJSP at 1-866-4SAFENJ.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.