Burglars are using drone helicopters that could be bought for a little over $45 to scout houses and private properties that can be potential targets for their next criminal acts.

These drones can carry high definition cameras that could take pictures and videos of properties, allowing them to see the security of the house, determine the weak areas where entry can be easy, and even possibly see in advance which loots are the most valuable, giving them the chance to make elaborate plans of entry and escape.

Because of their abilities to get close to potential targets, drones are thought to present an even greater threat than websites such as Google's Street View and Google Earth, which have previously been accused of assisting thieves with satellite and curb-side images of properties, The Telegraph reports.

Police are asking residents to increase the security of their homes against the new threat that drones pose. They ask them to be very vigilant of the sound that drones make and to keep an eye out so that they can immediately call the police if they ever see one flying around their area.

DA Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said "Drones are subject to aviation rules and regulations and anyone breaching those rules can be prosecuted," according to The Telegraph.