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Police track rise of pirate radio | Police track rise of pirate radio |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Pirate radio stations are booming across the UK, but so are police efforts to catch the perpetrators. | Pirate radio stations are booming across the UK, but so are police efforts to catch the perpetrators. |
Some 707 stations were raided in 2007, with 881 targeted in 2008, and police say they have a 100% conviction rate. | Some 707 stations were raided in 2007, with 881 targeted in 2008, and police say they have a 100% conviction rate. |
The BBC's Ben Ando says certain songs may provide code for drug deals and some stations publicise illegal raves. | The BBC's Ben Ando says certain songs may provide code for drug deals and some stations publicise illegal raves. |
Supreme FM producer Ray Gambeno defended pirate radio: "We reach out to people in the community in a way mainstream radio can't". | |
There are about 160 UK pirate stations. | There are about 160 UK pirate stations. |
The majority are in London, where they are often based in makeshift studios constructed from plywood - with old carpet laid down to aid sound proofing. | The majority are in London, where they are often based in makeshift studios constructed from plywood - with old carpet laid down to aid sound proofing. |
Paul Mercer, of radio regulator Ofcom, says pirate stations often play havoc with the life-saving work of ambulance and fire crews. | Paul Mercer, of radio regulator Ofcom, says pirate stations often play havoc with the life-saving work of ambulance and fire crews. |
Complaints | Complaints |
He said: "Last year we received 41 complaints from the emergency services and on each occasion Ofcom staff were called to take action against those pirate radio stations to remove their interference." | He said: "Last year we received 41 complaints from the emergency services and on each occasion Ofcom staff were called to take action against those pirate radio stations to remove their interference." |
Generally, pirate broadcasters sell advertising and charge DJs a fee to appear on air. They often install antennae illegally on tower blocks. | Generally, pirate broadcasters sell advertising and charge DJs a fee to appear on air. They often install antennae illegally on tower blocks. |
Richard Southall, of the London and Quadrant Housing Trust, said: "They break down doors, smash windows, break the actual lifts erecting this equipment. | Richard Southall, of the London and Quadrant Housing Trust, said: "They break down doors, smash windows, break the actual lifts erecting this equipment. |
"Intimidating threats are made to people and it makes a lot of residents life hell." | "Intimidating threats are made to people and it makes a lot of residents life hell." |
Supreme FM producer Ray Gambeno defended pirate radio, saying: "We reach out to people in the community in a way mainstream radio can't. You get a sense of warmth." | |
But Ben Ando says pirate radio is no longer about well-meaning amateur enthusiasts giving city youth a voice. | But Ben Ando says pirate radio is no longer about well-meaning amateur enthusiasts giving city youth a voice. |
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