UK homes have been targeted in a series of raids over the illegal use of 'dodgy' Amazon Fire TV sticks.

These devices, often referred to as 'jailbroken' or 'modded' sticks, are manipulated by unscrupulous sellers who install official streaming apps, allowing users to watch content for free.

The use of these devices, which include USB sticks and other boxes plugged into a TV, is a violation of the Fraud Act and can result in substantial fines.

Police forces, along with the anti-piracy organisation Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), have been confiscating these fire sticks and making arrests.

The crackdown is aimed at more than 30 suppliers selling these devices. As part of this operation, a 42-year-old man was arrested in Newport on suspicion of involvement in the sale of illicit fire sticks.

Others received personal visits and were issued cease-and-desist letters. FACT has stated that this raid is the latest in a series of clampdowns on illegal streaming operations, with courts also imposing stricter sentences on lawbreakers.

Jonathan Edge, a 29 year old from Liverpool, was handed a three-year prison sentence for selling and using illegal fire sticks.

Despite receiving cease and desist letters from the organisation, he continued his activities, leading to the Premier League taking him to court.

Amazon has also joined the crackdown - its new Fire TV Stick 4K Select features a key change that makes it more difficult to convert into a dodgy stick.

The complete list of regions targeted in the questionable Fire Stick raids includes:.

Kieron Sharp, Chief Executive of FACT, stated: "Our cease-and-desist measures are not just warnings-they are the first step toward holding offenders accountable."