Man charged with allegedly pointing laser at Polair, warning issued
Sunday, 30 November 2025 04:09:13 PM
A man has been charged after allegedly pointing a laser at a Polair aircraft in Sydney’s southwest overnight, as police remind the public about the dangers of lasers.
About 12.40am today (Sunday 30 November 2025), a Polair aircraft was patrolling the Western Sydney area when a high-powered laser was pointed at the aircraft, causing the crew on board to take action to minimise its impact.
Polair, with the assistance from officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command, tracked the laser to a home on Martha Street, Clyde, where they arrested a 41-year-old man.
During the arrest, police allegedly located and seized small amounts of cocaine and methylamphetamine.
He was taken to Granville Police Station, where he was charged with do act to threaten safety of aircraft/persons on board, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, prejudicing the safe operation of a Division 3 aircraft and possess prohibited drug (two counts).
The man was granted conditional bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Monday 17 December 2025.
Commander of Aviation Command, Superintendent Christopher Nicholson, is urging the public to use their common sense and not to endanger aircraft.
“Pointing lasers at aircraft is a serious risk to the safety of aircraft, its crew and potentially persons on the ground. Not only is it dangerous, but it is also a serious offence and one the NSWPF takes seriously” Supt Nicholson said.
“Anyone considering this should know there is no running or hiding once the act is committed and you will be located, arrested and prosecuted".
“Flying aircraft can be difficult at the best of times, I’m urging members of the public not to be responsible for making that job any more difficult.”
If you feel you have been a victim of a crime such as this, contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.