Media regulator OfCom says it has instigated a number of raids on pirate radio stations in London - with 53 transmitters seized and, they claim, 44 pirate stations now off the air. The regulator has also sent warning letters to nine club promoters who have been advertising on some of the stations.
OfCom bosses were keen to stress that the pirate stations were interfering with radio bands used by the emergency services and air traffic control people - presumably to stop any pirate radio sympathisers from asking what harm to stations are doing provided they don't block out legit radio services. Officials also say drugs and guns were found in some of the studios raided.
To that end OfCom's Head Of Field Operations, Robert Thelen-Bartholomew, 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."
Meanwhile London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner John Anthony added "Pirate radio transmissions interfere with, and sometimes entirely disable, the communications systems the London Fire Brigade relies on. The interference makes it more difficult for the fire fighters to go about their daily business of protecting Londoners."