NSW: Chopper searching for laser offenders targeted

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2008
NSW: Chopper searching for laser offenders targeted

SYDNEY, April 22 AAP - A police helicopter searching for laser offenders has been targeted
while on patrol in Sydney's west.

The PolAir helicopter was over Guildford about 10pm (AEST) last night when a green
laser penetrated the cockpit.

The officers raised the alarm, prompting units on the ground to search the area around
Harris Street, but no offenders were located.

The search was prompted by a similar attack on Sunday over Sydney's south when an air
ambulance helicopter was targeted.

A police spokeswoman said that aircraft was flying over Sylvania about 2am (AEST) when
a green laser was projected at it.

No-one was injured in the incident and no-one has been arrested.

Recent laser attacks have prompted the NSW government to move to outlaw the devices.

Under proposed legislation announced yesterday, high-powered lasers will be classed
as prohibited weapons, and possessing one without a permit will be an offence punishable
by up to 14 years in jail.

Police will also be able to frisk anyone suspected of carrying any laser, and anyone
unable to provide a lawful excuse for possessing even a low-powered laser could face two
years' jail and a $5,000 fine.

Col Rodgers, president of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia, says
the attacks happen when aircraft are on their landing approach and could cause disaster.

"In a darkened cockpit, to have a bright light come into the cockpit and dazzle you
and could cause a lack of control," Mr Rodgers told Fairfax Radio Network.

He said the attacks were less of an issue at Sydney Airport because large jets landed
with auto-pilot but small planes and helicopters were under manual control.

"And like Bankstown (airport) is very busy 24 hours a day ... (an attack) could certainly
jeopardise safety and in a built-up area like Sydney it could cause a fatality."

AAP vpm/wjf/maur/sp

KEYWORD: LASERS DAYLEAD

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