1 May 2008
Police have seized a number of devices in Preston and Blackburn as part of a bid to crack down on fraudulent digital TV criminals.
In total about 200 set-top boxes were taken from properties in relation to an investigation looking into consumers obtaining illegal services, reports the Lancashire Evening Post.
Lancashire police's Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Colin Dassow stated that the force is committed to tackling such criminal behaviour and that it will work alongside the relevant bodies to ensure digital TV is received in the correct manner.
"Members of the public should be reminded that using set-top boxes that have been illegally modified to receive digital TV subscription channels are committing a criminal offence," he told the publication.
The force was accompanied by staff members from Virgin Media while recovering the boxes in the operation.
Earlier this week, James Murdoch, the head of News International, claimed that watchdog Ofcom is trying to over-regulate the industry in the digital era.