crackdown on dodgy sticks hits hard | Leeds News

Leeds News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 4, 2026 · 1m

Authorities are hitting back hard against illegal streaming devices—aka “dodgy sticks”—that let users binge paid content like sports and movies for a one-time fee, bypassing subscriptions. In a major crackdown across 11 locations, police arrested three men in Birkenhead and Prenton, with another arrest following days later. Backed by anti-piracy group FACT, the operation targets the entire supply chain—from sellers to end-users—and has issued legal warnings to ten Irish resellers, threatening further action if they don’t stop. Officials stress these services hurt broadcasters, creators, and…