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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
David Snelling & Abbie Meehan

Sky TV viewers issued serious 'illegal' warning after UK-wide police crackdown

Approximately half a million UK households could find themselves unable to access premium television following a recent block.

This news has come as British police have recently shut down several providers who were illegally streaming content that viewers would usually pay for, reports the Mirror.

Police operations have spread across Scotland and the rest of the UK, as four people were arrested as well as laptops and phones being seized.

This now means that people who use illegal third-party services to access Sky content could see their viewing turned off - as they don't pay for the service.

READ MORE - Storm Larisa set to batter Edinburgh with wind, snow and ice this weekend

Officials have also said that illegal streaming services make people more vulnerable to fraud, data theft and malware.

More than 200 'cease and desist' notices were also delivered to individuals suspected of running illegal streaming services around the country.

Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, added: "Organised criminal groups often view the distribution of illegal streaming services as a low-risk, high-reward crime which can be used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity.

"At the same time, it can expose end users to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware.

"We hope that this period of action sends a clear message; PIPCU will continue to work with partners across law enforcement and the industry to take action against those who provide illegal streaming services and protect consumers against the risks associated with using them."

Matt Hibbert, Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, said: "This coordinated effort by police and partners which saw action spanning the UK has made a significant impact against individuals involved in serious organised crime.

"More and more effective action is being taken against the criminals behind big piracy operations and we thank PIPCU and all the police forces involved.

"We will continue to support these efforts to shut down these pirate networks and help protect consumers."

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