The Portage la Prairie RCMP say helicopter pilots flying near Southport reported seeing laser pointers flashed near them while they were airborne last week.

The police are concerned because a laser light can distract a pilot, create glare, and cause temporary blindness -- leading to a dangerous situation which risks a loss of life.

“Something that could be perceived as being harmless with a simple laser pointer you could buy anywhere could cause a great deal of damage if a pilot were to make a miscalculation or an error as a result of being blinded,” says RCMP Const. Sean O'Keefe. “A lot of systems are in place to keep the aircraft in the air, but at the same time the risk of injury or loss of life due to a crash goes through the roof.”

Under the Aeronautics Act, anyone found to be pointing a laser at an aircraft can face fines of up to $100,000 and five years imprisonment, or both. O'Keefe notes, it's also punishable under the Criminal Code of Canada, with Mischief Causing Danger to Life an indictable offence that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Investigators ask anyone who knows those responsible for the incident at Southport causing risk to life to contact Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.