Croydon has witnessed a resurgence in illegal pirate radio activity, with four unauthorised broadcast masts discovered and dismantled across the borough in 2025. This marks a significant enforcement action following a four-year period where no such masts were found, according to data obtained through Freedom of Information requests by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Mapping the Illegal Broadcast Network
The locations of these illicit installations have now been plotted across Croydon, revealing a concerning pattern of activity. While the overall number remains relatively low, the discoveries indicate a return of pirate broadcasting to the area after what the council described as a "successful crackdown" between 2014 and 2019, during which seven illegal stations were removed.
Targeted Locations and Removal Operations
The LDRS investigation identified a cluster of illegal masts on council-owned properties in the north of the borough, alongside a separate installation discovered in New Addington at Croydon's southern edge. Each removal operation involved coordinated efforts between council officers, Ofcom enforcement teams, and police personnel.
The specific locations and removal dates for 2025 were:
- 283–321 Church Road, Upper Norwood – removed on Wednesday 29 January 2025
- 56a–76d Chertsey Crescent, New Addington – removed on Wednesday 28 May 2025
- 1–15 Essex Court, Upper Norwood – removed on Friday 13 June 2025
- 55–133 College Green, Upper Norwood – removed on Tuesday 5 August 2025
The Cost of Enforcement
Removing these illegal broadcast installations comes at a tangible financial cost to the council. Detailed records show that each mast removal typically requires a locksmith to spend two to three hours on site, with associated materials and labour costs averaging between £100 and £140.
An electrician also attends for similar durations, with labour costs ranging from £50 to £100. While other teams involved in removals—including Ofcom enforcement, the Safer Neighbourhood Team, tenancy officers, and the council's electrical repairs supervisors—do not charge for their work, the council estimates the total cost per mast removal ranges from £150 to £240.
Safety Concerns and Regulatory Impact
Pirate radio operations present serious safety concerns beyond their illegal status. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, warns that these unauthorised broadcasters often use makeshift transmitters that can interfere with vital communications used by emergency services and aircraft navigation systems.
Croydon Council has echoed these concerns, stating: "We discovered an illegal radio mast installed on the roof of one of our housing blocks and connected to the block's power supply. It was removed quickly and safely." The council noted that pirate broadcasters frequently force entry into buildings to install equipment, leaving behind thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Enforcement Challenges and Oversight
The council acknowledged that the absence of illegal mast removals between 2020 and 2024 was partly because all reported cases had been investigated in earlier years, with Covid-19 restrictions potentially affecting enforcement activity during this period.
Following the publication of the recent data, a council spokesperson told the LDRS: "We increased our enforcement action in 2025 when we were notified of some new masts on our buildings. We work with Ofcom, the UK's regulator for communications services, and Croydon Police to identify illegal radio masts and to arrange removals."
The spokesperson added: "We regularly visit suspected locations and follow up on notifications from our residents or building representatives. Where illegal masts are discovered, we will respond quickly and notify Ofcom, who have the power to seize any illegal equipment."
National Context and Future Vigilance
Nationwide, there are approximately one hundred illegal radio stations operating without proper licences, with roughly three-quarters concentrated in London. These operations typically seek to avoid regulatory oversight and frequently hide equipment on high-rise, council-owned residential blocks to maximise signal reach.
Any recovered illegal broadcasting equipment is seized by Ofcom's Enforcement Team for investigation and potential prosecution. The council encourages residents who suspect illegal broadcasting activity to come forward, stating: "If a resident suspects something, please contact us so we can take action."
