Part of Ireland Island North has been declared off limits for drone flights after at least three instances of intrusions over Westgate Correctional Facility.

Westgate joins the Bermuda Police Service’s headquarters in Prospect, Devonshire, under new regulations issued by the Civil Aviation Authority on Friday. LF Wade International airport on St David’s Island is also a no-fly zone.

The BCAA reports there have been at least three cases of drones encroaching on the prison, as well as one unauthorised intrusion over the airport.

Breaching the rules could come with a fine of up to $4,000, the authority warned.

According to Thomas Dunstan, director general of BCAA, drones are growing in popularity, which heightens safety and security challenges.

The restrictions also apply to microlights, gliders, airships and balloons, with no-fly zones set as:

• A 150 metre circle around Westgate Facility, with the centre being 32°19’28.8”N 64°50’17.4”W

• A 125 metre circle around Prospect, centred at 32°18’00.8”N 64°45’58.1”W

• A two-mile radius circle around the airport, centred at 32°21’52.3”N 64°41’04.0”W.