Police have cracked down on 'dodgy' firesticks (stock)(Image: Getty Images)

Police visit homes in crackdown on 'dodgy' firesticks – full list of areas targeted

People using so-called 'dodgy' firesticks to illegally stream sports and TV have been issued a warning after police launched a crackdown operation, visiting homes across the UK

by · The Mirror

Police have been visiting homes across the country in a crackdown on so-called "dodgy" firesticks that are used to watch illegal sports streams and pirated TV.

The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) launched the two-week enforcement operation in conjunction with local police forces. It primarily focused on dismantling piracy operations, targeting more than 30 suppliers selling unauthorised access to paywalled content.

Individuals were both visited in person and issued cease-and-desist warnings by post. They were told they would face potential criminal prosecution if they didn't immediately stop their activities. A 42-year-old man was arrested in Newport as part of the sting. He is suspected of involvement in illegal IPTV operations including the sale of illicit firesticks, with South Wales Police and FACT seizing several electronic devices.

The hacked devices allow people to illegally stream paywalled content for free (stock)( Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The clampdown spanned regions across the UK, including:

  • London
  • Kent
  • Sussex
  • Norfolk
  • Northamptonshire
  • Lincolnshire
  • Staffordshire
  • East and West Midlands
  • Greater Manchester
  • Cheshire
  • Merseyside
  • Northumbria
  • North Yorkshire

It comes after Jonathan Edge, 29, from Liverpool, was jailed last month for three years and four months after pleading guilty to three offences under the Fraud Act. Despite a cease-and-desist warning from FACT, he continued selling and using firesticks. His prison term was brought about following a private prosecution by the Premier League.

While it is not technically against the law to own a hacked or 'jailbroken' streaming device like a firestick, it is illegal to use one to stream paywalled content for free. FACT CEO Kieron Sharp has warned that anyone using such a device risks "facing serious consequences".

While it is not against the law to own a hacked streaming device, it is illegal to use one to stream paywalled content for free (stock)( Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

He said: "Our cease-and-desist measures are not just warnings—they are the first step toward holding offenders accountable. Many who ignored these notices in the past are now facing arrest and criminal charges. We strongly advise anyone involved in these activities to stop immediately.

"If you’re supplying or using illicit streaming devices or illegal IPTV subscriptions, take this as a clear warning: you are breaking the law and risk facing serious consequences. We will continue working with police to track down and shut down these illegal operations.

"The police across the UK have been unstinting in their efforts to tackle this criminality and we are grateful for their assistance. To those using illegal streaming services, the message is that you’re not just committing a crime; you are putting yourself at risk.

"These services often expose users to malware, scams, and data theft, with no recourse when things go wrong. The safest, smartest and only choice is to stick to legitimate providers for your entertainment."