Prison governors have warned that crumbling Victorian walls are hindering efforts to install nets and grilles designed to stop drones delivering drugs and weapons to inmates. The structural weakness of the historic buildings has made it difficult to fix necessary security upgrades.
Attempts to fit anti-drone netting at HMP Pentonville in north London were stalled after engineers found the bricks were too soft to support the tension required. The prison, built in 1842 using 'London stock brick', is among those struggling to accommodate modern security measures.
The number of drone incidents in prisons has surged by over 1,000% in four years, from 138 in 2020-21 to 1,712 in 2024-25. Packages weighing up to 15kg have been delivered, containing contraband such as drugs, steroids, and fast food.
Tom Wheatley, president of the Prison Governors Association, said physical barriers like netting and grilles are the preferred option but face structural challenges. 'In some prisons, there are concerns that such measures put extra weight on the walls and the weight can be too much for the buildings,' he stated.
The government has pledged £10 million for anti-drone measures, though a Prison Service spokesperson denied walls are too weak. 'All improvements to prison security are tailored to individual jails, following detailed structural assessments,' they said, noting over £40 million invested in physical security enhancements overall.
