New crackdown on 'dodgy' Fire Sticks with 11 areas targeted ahead of Premier League return

Police have issued another warning regarding the illegal use of Fire Sticks ahead of the return of Premier League football.

While proper football returned weeks ago, the Premier League kicks off again next weekend and fans will be counting their pennies when they realise the cost of subscribing to all the various sporting channels.

Amid a cost of living crisis, it's easy to comprehend why many fans refuse to pay for the various services on Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime, since all those subscriptions will likely cost you over £1000 in a calendar year.

So, it's perhaps unsurprising why so many people across the UK have turned to 'dodgy sticks' in recent years, even in spite of the various warnings from law enforcement about what punishment you could face if you're ever caught with one.

As the Premier League prepares to begin again with champions Arsenal taking on Coventry next Friday night, police have now launched a fresh clampdown on those who provide illegal streaming services.

We've already seen plenty of arrests when it comes to the streaming providers, with organisations such as Sky understandably unhappy to learn that customers were accessing their content without paying, and another four men have now been arrested in Merseyside.

Nick Sumner, Investigations Manager at FACT, said: “These arrests demonstrate the value of FACT’s intelligence-led investigations and our close partnership with Merseyside Police. This sends a clear message that those involved in supplying illegal streaming services can be identified and held to account.”

Many customers aren't willing to pay the fees to see all their favourite sport ( Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)

As many as 11 different areas were targeted in house raids completed by police this summer, which makes it clear that companies and law enforcement aren't willing to tolerate these illegal streams any longer.

Detective Constable Andrew Gibson of the Cyber Dependent Crime Unit, added: "This coordinated operation follows detailed investigative work with FACT and has enabled us to take action against six individuals suspected of supplying illegal streaming services on a significant scale.

"Those selling illegal subscriptions should not assume that operating online will protect them from detection.

"We will continue to follow the evidence and pursue those believed to be profiting from this activity."

Sentences for those offering the streaming services can be severe, with Mark Gould, the ringleader of illegal streaming service Flawless TV told to repay the £3.75m he made in profits, or face another decade in jail.

But in recent times, the crackdown on customers has also been severe, with companies such as Sky using banking information to track down people who might be paying for illegal services, which can also harm users by making them more susceptible to scams.

Police completed a number of raids this summer (Getty Stock)

A FACT spokesperson added: "Illegal streaming services are often sold through websites, social media, messaging apps and modified streaming devices.

"Customers are typically offered unauthorised access to subscription television channels and pay-per-view content for a reduced fee.

"Alongside the damage caused to broadcasters and content creators, illegal streaming services can expose consumers to scams, malicious software and the theft of personal or financial information.

"FACT continues to work with police forces and rights holders across the UK to identify, disrupt and deter those involved in illegal streaming through intelligence-led investigations, enforcement operations, cease-and-desist notices and criminal prosecutions."

So, the next time you're tempted to use a dodgy stick to watch Ipswich vs Hull City, maybe consider that the hefty fine or jail sentence probably isn't worth it.