Ofcom makes Halloween raids on pirate radio stations

by Daniel Farey-Jones Brand Republic 03-Nov-05, 11:00

LONDON – Forty-four London FM pirate radio stations have been taken off air in a joint operation between Ofcom and police to reduce interference on frequencies used by critical services and legal radio broadcasters.

Eighteen Ofcom field officers and 32 Metropolitan Police officers started the four-day operation on the morning of October 29. They seized or disabled 70 transmitters and gathered 43 mobile and landline phone numbers, which will be traced and investigated.

Pirate radio transmissions affect the communications systems used by the London Fire Brigade and National Air Traffic Services. Ofcom estimates that London accounts for more than half of around 150 illegal broadcasters in the UK.

Robert Thelen-Bartholomew, head of field operations at Ofcom, said: "Illegal broadcasting affects safety-of-life services and has links with serious crime. Ofcom will continue to pursue and prosecute those involved in this criminal activity."

The transmitters were used by stations including Lush FM in Acton, Whoa FM in Elephant & Castle and Have It FM in Bow.

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