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Correct answer... TV detector vans exist, but they do not detect anything. They are just for show. TVL have a database of addresses in the UK with or without a
by dazc 3y ago
Correct answer...
TV detector vans exist, but they do not detect anything. They are just for show. TVL have a database of addresses in the UK with or without a licence. It is just assumed that anyone without a TV licence is guilty, and so a campaign of harrassment begins by letters and visits to intimidate people into buying a licence.
Fact 1: Never in court has evidence been used to prosecute people (mainly single mothers) based on 'detector' van evidence.
Fact 2: Although TVL threaten that they might apply for a search warrant if you do not let them in to inspect your house, it is very difficult indeed for them to apply for a warrant. They first need proof that you are receiving live broadcast. Never has 'dectector van' evidence been used to apply for a warrant. Search warrants are very rarely applied for today.
The reason people get prosecuted is that they admit to having a TV and then sign a 'confession' form. They assume a visiting TVL 'officer' has some sort of legal power when they visit. They have no more legal power than if any member of the public came round. Tell them to leave and they must immediately comply else be in breach of law.
Philip Dean, Newport, Wales
Source: My mother was convicted many years ago, I was there and witnessed the entire confession-based playbook.
- exe34 3y agoI ignore their letters, because they're rude. I was looking forward to denying them entry, but the last time one of their goons came around, they said they didn't want to come in because of COVID.
- jt2190 3y ago> ... they admit to having a TV and then sign a 'confession' form... I believe this "confession form" is a Demand Letter: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demand_letter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demand_letter These are routinely used for theft by retail employees, for example.
- 369548684892826 3y ago> admit to having a TV and then sign a 'confession' form "Having a TV" is fine without a license. It's watching live broadcast television, or using iPlayer, that isn't allowed.
- tentacleuno 3y ago...or watching TV as it is being broadcast[0]. For anyone outside the UK, this is designed to be confusing. Many people unnecessarily pay for the TV License just to stop the harassment campaign by TV Licensing. This entire system is akin to a protection racket. [0]: https://www.gov.uk/find-licences/tv-licence https://www.gov.uk/find-licences/tv-licence
- rwmj 3y agohttp://www.bbctvlicence.com/ http://www.bbctvlicence.com/ - the website of a guy who posts all the threatening letters he receives.
- LorenPechtel 3y agoIn the old days it was probably possible to actually detect a TV based on the intermediate frequency. There's no transmitter but neither are they TEMPEST-rated equipment, there would be leaks. But that only detects that there's an operating receiver, not what it is receiving. Originally, live was the only option--but not any more.
- ghusto 3y agoOne of them actually said to me: "Are you refusing my right to inspect your home for a T.V.?" — notice the wording. I slammed the door in his face as he was saying "You'll be prosecuted!". Remember, if someone like that is _asking_ for something, it means they have no right to it.