A PROBE has been launched into the sale of illegal digital TV boxes after a home was raided in Nelson.
Neighbourhood officers in Whitefield have arrested a man in his 20s in Westmorland Street on suspicion of trading in bogus boxes.
He has been released on bail after a number of receiver components, involved in obtaining Virgin Media television, were seized.
But officers are warning others, who may be involved in a free TV scam, that they could be in the firing line.
Pc Mark Wilcock, community beat manager, said: “"People should be reminded that using set-top boxes that have been illegally modified to receive digital TV subscription channels are committing a criminal offence.
“Anyone receiving these channels and making no payment to the media company is at risk of being prosecuted.”
Malcolm Davies, Virgin Media's head of fraud and security, added: "This should act as a serious warning to others to steer clear of this type of crime.”
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