100 pilots report laser incidents near Schiphol

laser from the police helicopterA television appeal for information about who has been shining lasers into the cockpits of planes taking off and landing at Schiphol airport has resulted in 70 tips, police said on Wednesday.

Between July and October around 100 pilots reported lasers being directed at their aircraft. Although there have not been any dangerous incidents, pilots do describe the lights as a nuisance, news agency ANP says.

Shining lasers at planes has been a criminal offence since 2012 and carries a maximum jail term of 15 years.

In August, a 23-year-old man from Hoofddorp, close to Schiphol, was arrested for shining a laser pen at planes. In September, a teenage boy was arrested by Amsterdam police for shining a laser pen at a police helicopter.

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