Radio Roof Men Arrested in South Acton

MPS helicopter called to scene last Thursday

Ealing Police were called last Thursday 7th August at 11:17pm to reports of two men acting suspiciously on the roof of Barwick House, Strafford Road on the South Acton Estate.

When officers arrived at the 12th floor of the building to investigate, they found the entry point to the roof blocked by what appeared to be a heavy item on the door.

Due to the potentially serious nature of the events the MPS helicopter was despatched to investigate.

The helicopter arrived a short time later, confirming that two men were up on the roof with a ladder and some radio equipment.

Using a loudspeaker, officers told the men to come down and account for their actions. The men said they had been asked by a friend, whom they refused to name, to collect a radio transmitter from the roof of the building.

A radio transmitter was discovered attached to an aerial on the roof.

The two men, one from Feltham aged 31 and the other 44 and from Acton were arrested on suspicion of establishing, operating or installing an illegal broadcasting station without the appropriate licence contrary to section 8 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006.

The man from Feltham had £1,000 on him in cash and was further arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

Both men were granted police bail to reappear at Acton Police Station on Thursday 11th September pending further enquiries.

Ealing Borough Police have now been in contact with Ofcom for assistance with this investigation relating to any unauthorised transmissions.

Ofcom take the issue of illegal broadcasting very seriously as so-called pirate radio stations cause serious interference to legitimate radio users, such as the emergency services and legitimate radio stations.

August 14, 2008