DJI Matrice 30 equipped with a thermal camera locates a car thief

The Garfield Heights Police Department in Ohio now has access to a DJI Matrice 30 with a thermal camera, which will help them find criminals.

Officer Patrick Hace of the Garfield Heights Police Department stated that they recently made use of the DJI Matrice 30 police drone to determine the precise location and movement of one of two teenagers who are suspected of stealing a car.

DJI Matrice 30 with thermal camera

Officer Hace explained that he was able to track the alleged cat thief's movements by observing his body heat signature with the infrared camera on the DJI M30 drone.

“It was our first day with this new drone.” said Officer Hace. “I put the tracker on him, even if he would have got up and ran it would have tracked him, wherever he went.”

Officer Hace added that he is uncertain whether or not the officers would have been able to locate the possible thief if they did not have access to the drone.

“It would be a crapshoot if you would ever find these people.” said Officer Hace.

“I feel a little bit safe. It's cool the police department is using their resources. It's cool to see it in action.” said resident Matthew Humphries according to Cleveland19.

Photos courtesy of Cleveland 19 News.