A pirate radio station in south London was shutdown after a raid
by government enforcers from the Radiocommunications Agency seized
its transmitter. Unlicensed stations are blamed for disrupting
essential radio services, like air traffic control and emergency
service communications.
The raid is the latest activity in the Agency's strategy against pirates. Other measures include tackling suppliers of premises and radio transmitters, targeting those who advertise on pirate stations, and working with the police and courts to raise awareness about the serious nature of illegal broadcasting.
The Agency carries out nearly 1,500 raids on pirate broadcasters a year, of which around 90% are in the Greater London area. It seizes hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of equipment and materials, including transmitters, record decks, and vinyl.
The maximum penalties that pirates can face is an unlimited fine and up to two years in prison. The forthcoming Communications Bill has a clause in it that proposes that Police can arrest a person for a pirate radio offence.
Details of the Agency's action against pirate broadcasters can be found at: www.radio.gov.uk
