New laws have made it easier for people to be prosecuted for shining a light or laser at an aircraft.

The growing problem follows an increase in the number of incidents of pilots being distracted by lasers.

Ten incidents have been reported in Oxfordshire.

Thames Valley Police and other regional police forces, working in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other Government departments, are working to track down the perpetrators of these attacks.

According to the Mandatory Occurrence Reports submitted to the CAA by pilots and air traffic controllers, there were a total of 737 attacks with lasers on commercial airliners, air ambulances and police helicopters across the UK in 2009. This is a considerable increase on the 206 incidents in 2008, and the 29 incidents in 2007.

As a result of the new law, conviction rates are expected to increase.

Previously, anyone caught shining a laser at an aircraft may have been charged with recklessly endangering an aircraft. Offenders may now be charged with shining a light at an aircraft in flight so as to dazzle the pilot, which means that it will be easier to prosecute and sentence offenders.

Inspector Steve Bridges, of Thames Valley Police Operational Support, said: “Shining a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous, and anyone doing this will be dealt with severely. This is not just a childish prank – you could potentially kill hundreds of people by causing the aircraft to crash.

“If you witness a laser being shone at an aircraft, please contact us immediately, just as you would if you saw any other crime in progress. Lives are in danger, and the sooner we can get there, the better.”