search warrant for tv licence

Naf

awayinchina wrote: »

Even using iplayer to watch live streamed programs is subject to a TV license. if you have then there will be a record on the BBC server and therefore they might want to search your property for such equipment that has been used for such a purpose.

I don't think it's that simple for them to get an IP from the BBC server, then lookup the address it was assigned to on the date of access, then find out if that address had a valid license on that date.
I think they would need a reason to suspect that a specific address was using it without a license, then apply to get the IP address(es) assigned to that address, then search to see if any of them had accessed the BBC server on any date where no license was in place.
Seems like more work than they're likely to go to without lots of reasons to think theyll get a result.

Irn-Bru-Kid wrote: »

You really have no idea what you are talking about.

You cannot watch live streamed programs via iplayer. It is a catch up service, it does not broadcast live television.

Seems to be you who has no idea.
Check the iPlayer website (NOT the program you download & install on your computer); see where there's the list of channels & programmes and right at the top is a picture headed by 'WATCH LIVE'. Gee, I wonder what it is that they show there? Any ideas?
If you've never used it, it will ask if you have a TV License first.

I fear from where the situation has got to, that the OP's friend may have made some admission to watching live TV.

19lottie82

Would the police really get involved if someone didn't have a tv license? I find it hard to believe they would be banging on someone's door?

glasgowsaver2011

What law authorises enquiry officers to request access to my home? Can I refuse to let them in? The Communications Act 2003 imposes an obligation on the BBC to issue TV Licences and collect the licence fee. The BBC must ensure that it fulfils its responsibility to the vast majority of households who pay their licence fee, by enforcing the law in respect of those who intentionally evade paying it. TV Licensing uses a range of activities to raise awareness about the requirement for a TV Licence, remind people to pay, inform them of ways to pay, and to deter people from evading the licence fee.
Enquiry officers do not have any legal powers to enter your home without a search warrant granted by a magistrate (or sheriff in Scotland). They (like other members of the public) rely on an implied right in common law to call at a property as far as the door, while going about their lawful business and making their presence known. Enquiry officers must explain to the occupier of the premises why they are visiting, be polite, courteous and fair, and abide by a strict code of conduct.
You have no obligation to grant entry to an enquiry officer if you don’t wish to do so. If refused entry by the occupier, the enquiry officer will leave the property. If enquiry officers are refused access or an occupant withdraws the right to visit, then TV Licensing reserve the right to use other methods of detection.
Enquiry officers may apply for authorisation to use detection equipment if they are refused entry on to premises. TV Licensing may also apply to a magistrate (or sheriff in Scotland) for a search warrant. However, this is only done as a last resort and when a senior manager and a legal adviser considers that there is good reason to believe that an offence has been committed.


http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/about/foi-administering-the-tv-licensing-system-part-2-AB20/




from the official site.


Warrants are only issued as a last resort

iolanthe07

once he has a TV license then get a friend to write a receipt saying they sold him his equipment the day after he buys his license.

Are you serious? This is called "perverting the course of justice" and is taken very seriously by the courts..

geoffky

Just tell the scumbags to run along...do not engage with them...they will not get a warrant...Very few are issued a year...I have a feeling your friend has told them he does not have one..educate him...

Marvel1

Originally Posted by Irn-Bru-Kid
You really have no idea what you are talking about.

You cannot watch live streamed programs via iplayer. It is a catch up service, it does not broadcast live television.

I was watching the Olympics live on I-Player.

skivenov

Just pull the lead between the aerial socket and the telly and stick a DVD on. Innocent until proven guilty.

I had a TV Licensing investigator round in the old house, happily invited him in and explained "yeah, there's a elly there, but it's just for the DVD and the playstation, stick it on it you want to see if there's any channels".

He stuck it down as "no evidence of reception".

Good blag... well orchestrated

orcocan

surely it's called tax evasion

why would somebody live with the stress of inspectors knocking at your door to (rightly) prove you're a cheat rather than paying what is due, that is beyond me

funny how they all howl at greedy bankers and the like then...

to the OP, I'd suggest either get rid of the TV or face the music, given his financial situation probably the former option is better (sell on ebay and raise a bit of cash)

obay

orcocan wrote: »

surely it's called tax evasion

why would somebody live with the stress of inspectors knocking at your door to (rightly) prove you're a cheat rather than paying what is due, that is beyond me

funny how they all howl at greedy bankers and the like then...

to the OP, I'd suggest either get rid of the TV or face the music, given his financial situation probably the former option is better (sell on ebay and raise a bit of cash)

some what agree to be honest... but on the other hand just hook a PC up to the TV and wollop