Incidents of lasers targeting aircraft and pilots are increasing in frequency in the New York area.

Reports of lasers being pointed at aircraft are up 17% percent from last year, the bureau said. Injuries involving the laser occurrences are also on the rise, the FBI said; lasers can temporarily or permanently blind a pilot and crew.

The most recent incidents happened last week Tuesday, the FBI said.

The first involved a Shuttle America flight that was on final approach to LaGuardia Airport when a green laser illuminated the cockpit. The second was later that evening when a private aircraft reported a green laser two miles south of LaGuardia, said CNN. No injuries were reported in either instance, but earlier this year several commercial pilots suffered significant injuries, including a burnt retina, because of lasers, CNN said.

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation.

The FBI is offering a reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of anyone involved in lasers targeting aircraft.

A law signed last year makes it a federal crime to aim a laser pointer at an aircraft.