Possible connections between garden furniture thefts and drone sightings have been ruled out by police after the aircraft's presence sparked concerns among angry neighbours.

Residents in Swanscombe reported the incidents to police last week after noticing the drone device persistently whirling above their homes.

Neighbours took to social media to vent their frustration and also reported several items of garden furniture had gone missing following the sightings.

Officers launched an investigation following reports from the local parish council expressing residents concerns around the presence of a drone.

A police spokesperson said: "The owner of the drone was located by a local PCSO and given words of advice around drone regulations and responsible use. No offences were committed."

But one resident, who did not wish to be named, said they were alerted to a drone flying over the town yet again on Sunday evening, shortly after 9pm.

They said: "I came out to have a look what’s happening and saw a drone passing my garden and swirling towards Church and Swanscombe Street.

"I heard of a few accidents before in Swanscombe and was advised to report it to the police which I did."

Swanscombe councillor Emma Ben Moussa (Lab) has been looking into the incidents on behalf of local residents and forwarding on concerns to Dartford council's designated community safety unit.

"It's not the first time garden furniture has been stolen in Swanscombe," she said.

Cllr Ben Moussa added it was "extremely frustrating" that incidents kept occurring and is calling for CCTV cameras to be put in place.

The council's community safety unit has since responded to the councillor to say police have ruled out any connection between the garden thefts and drone sightings.

A letter from the CSU posted on Facebook said: "They (police) have tracked down the owner of a drone that has been flying over the area, and have ruled out any connection between that drone and crime (the owner is a keen done flyer whose drone had no camera) but suitable advice has been given.

"Of course it is possible it is not the same drone, but since the intervention there I am not aware of any further reports. We will however of course continue to monitor it.

"If you or residents have any information and you do not believe it to be a crime in action (in which case call 999) they can contact the local PCSOs and let them know."

They added that an additional police community support officer (PCSO) has now been deployed in addition to the existing officer.

In the meantime Cllr Ben Moussa has urged residents to continue to report each and every incident to the police.

Alternatively, they can send a message to the council's CSU at csu.dartford@kent.police.uk, or if they wish to remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

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