Police are issuing a warning of the dangers of trespassing at Cotswold Airport following a spate of incidents in recent weeks.
As well as the criminal offences committed when entering the site as a trespasser, there are also serious safety risks involved.
In one recent incident, on August 11, offenders entered the site and entered one of the aircraft and whilst on the aircraft, they detonated a tail cone escape slide which fell to the ground and inflated.
Most recently, the airport was broken into overnight on August 27 – 28 – offenders have broken through a fence and gained entry to an aircraft. Fortunately, no damage was caused on this occasion.
PC Rob Wilson said: “These people are not only trespassing but they have caused approximately £6,000 worth of damage to the aircraft.
“As well as this, they are putting their lives and the lives of others in danger due to the hazards associated with a live airport and aircraft.
“I’d really like to stress that this airport is not an adult’s playground and there are serious dangers involved in trespassing at an airport like these individuals have been doing.”
Suzannah Harvey, CEO of Cotswold Airport, said: “It is imperative that people understand that Cotswold Airport is not an airport graveyard, rather a fully operational airport with over 35,000 aircraft movements per year and, as such, criminal trespass laws are in place for the safety of aircraft and the general public.”
Anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously near the airfield on the dates mentioned should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54190079492.
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
