On a recent Friday night in the private community of Roca Llisa, located within the municipality of Santa Eulària des Riu on Ibiza, three individuals attempted a robbery. Their plan was interrupted by a night-time surveillance system that operates as part of the estate’s security strategy. A drone, guided by the on-site security operator, identified the intruders as soon as the presence in the restricted area became evident. Once the intruders realized they had been detected, they fled the scene, unsure of how long their activity would remain undetected. The drone’s flight and monitoring capabilities were crucial in tagging the trespassers and tracking their movements as they retreated through the property’s grounds. The moment of discovery triggered the drone’s tracking protocol, which kept a steady visual and positional record of the suspects as they attempted to escape.
According to the company that manages and maintains the system, Security Group Secon, the air surveillance setup serves a dual purpose: it helps prevent robberies and supports fire monitoring across the community. Secon is responsible for deploying and maintaining this advanced security solution, which combines several technologies to create a cohesive early-warning network. The system is designed to be proactive, giving security personnel time to respond and coordinate with local authorities when needed. This approach aligns with broader best practices in modern security management, where layered monitoring reduces response times and strengthens deterrence.
The device relies on thermal imaging to capture night-time visuals, enabling clear detection even when visibility is poor. In addition, the system activates lighting to deter intruders and to provide clearer evidence of any unauthorized activity. By leveraging these tools, the security team can create a well-documented sequence of events, which is especially important in assessing risk, supporting investigations, and reinforcing the community’s sense of safety. The combination of thermal cameras and active lighting helps ensure that any attempt to breach the perimeter is visible to both human operators and automated tracking software, reducing the likelihood that intruders can move unseen through the property.
During the sequence captured by the drone camera, the suspects jumped a wall and attempted to disappear into a wooded area surrounding the urbanization. The drone system followed them without losing lock, maintaining a continuous feed that allowed the security operators to monitor their path and behavior as they tried to blend into the environment. The drone’s operational radius extended beyond the central facilities, covering common areas and the surrounding suburban landscape of the Roca Llisa complex. This broader field of view is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of movement patterns, helping security personnel anticipate potential routes and adjust their response in real time.
Despite the impressive reach of this surveillance method, there are acknowledged limits to the drone’s autonomous operation. The head of Secon indicated that, if the primary drone’s battery runs low, trained security staff have access to a second unmanned aerial vehicle as a backup option. This redundancy ensures that monitoring can continue with minimal gaps, preserving the integrity of the system and maintaining momentum in pursuing or tracking any intruders. The mutual support between the two drones highlights the commitment to uninterrupted vigilance, particularly during hours of peak activity and in periods of high risk.
The industry expert who commented on the system underscored its effectiveness in monitoring and preventing criminal activity at Roca Llisa. He noted that while a robbery attempt is often observed in the summer months, home burglaries remain a widespread concern across the island. His assessment emphasizes that a robust, high-visibility security presence can deter crime and reassure residents. The interview also pointed to the value of continuous training for security teams, ensuring that operators can maximize the capabilities of drone-based surveillance, thermal imaging, and illuminated deterrence. Taken together, these elements form a comprehensive approach that supports safe living in luxury communities while aligning with regulatory and privacy considerations that govern drone operations and data handling in the region.