POLICE have defended the vital work of their helicopters - in once case leading to the arrest of a teenager who was being sought - after complaints about the noise they make.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: "Last week we received a number of calls into our control room from members of the public complaining about the noise generated by helicopters.

"A couple of these calls have been linked to police incidents during which we have required the services of NPAS (National Police Air Service). The nearest NPAS base is Filton, South Gloucestershire, and this serves the South West region.

"At approximately 1am on 13 September, we requested the attendance of the NPAS helicopter after a vehicle was stolen from the Avon and Somerset area and was seen by Wiltshire Police officers in the Warminster area.

"The two occupants in the vehicle failed to stop for officers and then decamped.

"The helicopter was used to search wooded areas in the vicinity, and by 3am, a 16-year-old girl from the Warminster area had been arrested in connection with the incident.

"At approximately 10.10pm on 13 September, we received a report of a theft in progress in Bradford Road, Melksham. This related to the theft of wheels from a vehicle.

"The offenders were believed to be still on scene at the time of the report, and officers attended, with the assistance of NPAS to try and locate the offending vehicle.

"An area search was carried out, and the vehicle was located, however, there was no sighting of the offenders. Enquiries continue."

John Flynn, head of contact management, added: “With incidents of this nature, we will often request the assistance of NPAS.

"It is an invaluable service and we are always extremely grateful for their help – they are often involved in searching for people who are missing, vulnerable or at risk as well as offenders who have fled the scene.

"They are able to cover vast areas of land while helping to assist the units already deployed on the ground.

"The helicopters are fitted with thermal imaging cameras which can be used to find people quickly. In some cases, this can mean the difference between life and death.

“During incidents like the ones reported in Melksham and Warminster the helicopter will need to hover low to the ground. Some members of the public have called 101 to complain about the noise this has created.

"I would ask these people to remember that the helicopter will only be doing this for a serious reason – catching offenders and searching for missing people are just some examples.

"Before you pick up the phone to call the police, please think how you would feel if it was you who had been the victim of a crime which required the helicopter, or a member of your family had been reported missing.

“NPAS are allowed to fly over residential areas at night and the decision to request their assistance is always taken seriously.

"On top of these calls, we have also received complaints about military aircraft. Complaints of this nature should be directed to the military or Civil Aviation Authority. 101 is not the correct service for these complaints.

"If NPAS is flying over your area and you would like to know why, NPAS update their social media channels with all jobs attended regularly. Please follow @NPAS_Filton on Twitter."