“supplementing CCTV cameras in public areas to help deter crime”
And you wonder why people are “paranoid” about them? The CCTV cameras are already out of control, we don’t need to supplement them with drones. People can move to the UK if that their cup of tea.
You're trying to stand in the way of technology and you'll fail. In an urban area, for example, there are already cameras everywhere. They are simply too useful in deterring crime. We rely on them at this point for everything from traffic management to store security. Heck, in not very long individuals will have cameras in their glasses - or even contact lenses one day. Google earth will be real time eventually. If you want privacy, stay home.
The use of pilotless aircraft (drones) is only going to expand, and they will get smaller and cheaper along the way. Objecting to the misuse of surveillance techniques is fine, crying about a new technology that is here to stay is a waste of time.