Hingham Police Drone Helps Catch Teen Suspect in 60-Car Break-In Spree

A police drone helped Hingham, Massachusetts officers track down and arrest a 17-year-old suspect who allegedly broke into approximately 60 unlocked vehicles in a single night. The aerial deployment, coordinated with K-9 units and neighboring Norwell Police, demonstrates how suburban law enforcement agencies are increasingly turning to drone technology to tackle property crime.

Hingham Police responded to the Liberty Pole neighborhood at 12:48 a.m. on October 3, 2025, after a resident on Pilgrim Road reported two males breaking into cars in their driveway. Officers quickly established a perimeter and launched a drone to locate the suspects.

Drone Locates Fleeing Suspects

The drone spotted two suspects on a nearby street. When officers approached, both suspects fled on foot. Police arrested the 17-year-old from Holbrook, but a second suspect escaped and remains at large.

The scale of the crime spree became clear during the investigation. All 60 vehicles targeted had been left unlocked. While some cars were simply rummaged through, thieves stole a laptop, house keys, car fob keys, coins, and cash from others. An electric scooter was also taken from a driveway.

The arrested teen faces multiple charges including breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, disturbing the peace, and conspiracy. He was released to his parents and will be arraigned at Hingham Juvenile Court at a later date.

Growing Trend in Law Enforcement Drone Use

The successful deployment adds to a growing body of evidence showing how drones are becoming essential tools for police departments nationwide. According to Police1, 2025 has seen explosive growth in Drone as First Responder programs, with the FAA reporting 300 waiver submissions and 214 approvals under new streamlined processes.

Similar arrests have occurred across the country in recent months. In May, Kalamazoo Police used a drone to apprehend a juvenile suspect linked to over 30 vehicle break-ins near Western Michigan University. In September, Knox County Sheriff’s Office deployed a drone to track down a suspect who fled into wooded terrain after crashing a vehicle.

Approximately 1,400 U.S. police departments now use drones, with that number expected to grow significantly as agencies recognize the technology’s value for suspect tracking, search and rescue, and tactical operations.

Prevention: Lock Your Vehicles

The Hingham incident highlights a simple but critical security measure: locking your car doors. Every single vehicle entered during this crime spree was unlocked, making them easy targets for opportunistic thieves.

Law enforcement agencies consistently report that unlocked vehicles account for the majority of car break-ins. Thieves often walk through neighborhoods testing door handles, looking for quick and quiet opportunities.

DroneXL’s Take

What strikes me about this story is how routine police drone deployments have become. A suburban Massachusetts police department launching a drone at 1 a.m. to track car thieves would have been headline news just a few years ago. Now it’s standard operating procedure.

We’ve covered dozens of similar incidents in 2025 alone—from Wisconsin to Ohio to California. The pattern is clear: drones arrive faster than ground units, provide situational awareness that keeps officers safer, and help coordinate multi-agency responses like the Hingham-Norwell collaboration we see here.

The “60 unlocked cars” detail is the real story within the story. This wasn’t random—it was systematic. Two suspects working methodically through a neighborhood, testing every door handle. A drone gave officers the aerial view needed to spot the pattern and respond effectively.

As Drone as First Responder programs continue expanding—with 214 FAA approvals already granted in 2025—expect to see more stories like this from suburban and rural departments. The technology that once seemed futuristic is now just another tool in the patrol car, ready to deploy when seconds matter.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.