Croydon Pirate Radio Masts Mapped and Dismantled in 2025 by Council

Key Points

• Croydon Council collaborated with Ofcom, the police, and other partners to remove illegal broadcast masts across the borough in 2025.
• Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) revealed a rise in pirate radio masts uncovered across Croydon last year.
• Four pirate stations were dismantled in 2025, following none found in the previous four years.
• Locations of the dismantled masts have been plotted across the borough.
• A cluster of illegal installations was identified on council-owned properties in the north of the borough.
• A separate mast was discovered in New Addington, at the southern edge of Croydon.
• The overall number of pirate masts remains relatively low despite the increase.

Croydon (South London News) January 22, 2026 – Croydon Council has collaborated with Ofcom, the police, and other partners to dismantle four pirate radio masts across the borough in 2025, marking a sharp rise from none detected in the previous four years, according to Freedom of Information requests obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).​

The locations of these illegal installations, now mapped across Croydon, highlight a cluster on council-owned properties in the north of the borough and an isolated mast in New Addington to the south. This operation underscores ongoing efforts to curb unauthorised broadcasting amid concerns over public safety and spectrum interference.​

What Triggered the Discovery of Pirate Radio Masts in Croydon?

The surge in pirate radio activity came to light through proactive FOI requests submitted by the LDRS. As detailed in the MyLondon report, these requests uncovered data showing zero pirate masts dismantled between 2021 and 2024, followed by four in 2025 alone.​

Croydon Council’s enforcement teams worked alongside Ofcom, the regulatory body for communications, and local police to locate and remove the masts. The LDRS analysis plotted the sites, revealing concentrations in northern areas on public property, which raised particular concerns due to the use of council assets.​

A separate installation was found in New Addington, the southernmost part of the borough, indicating that pirate operations spanned the entirety of Croydon. While the total remains low, the sudden increase signals a potential resurgence of illegal broadcasting in the area.​

Where Exactly Were the Pirate Masts Located?

The mapped locations provide a clear picture of the issue’s geography. In the north of Croydon, a cluster of illegal masts was identified on council-owned properties, as revealed by the LDRS FOI data reported by MyLondon.​

These sites were prioritised for swift dismantling due to their position on public land, which posed risks to infrastructure and compliance with broadcasting laws. Further south, in New Addington, a lone mast was discovered and removed, extending the problem to the borough’s edges.​

No additional specific coordinates or street names were disclosed in the FOI responses, likely to protect ongoing enforcement and prevent repeat installations. The plotting exercise by LDRS journalists emphasises the borough-wide scope, even if numbers stayed modest.​

Why Did Pirate Radio Masts Suddenly Increase in 2025?

The reasons behind the 2025 uptick remain partly speculative, but the LDRS reporting points to heightened vigilance by authorities as a key factor in detection. Previously undetected for four years, the masts suggest pirate operators may have grown bolder or more active post-pandemic.​

Ofcom’s involvement highlights spectrum management concerns, as illegal broadcasts can interfere with emergency services, aviation, and licensed stations. Croydon Council statements, via the MyLondon coverage, stress public safety as the primary driver for collaboration with police partners.​

Local residents in affected areas, particularly northern council estates, reported intermittent signal disruptions, though no formal complaints directly triggered the operations. The low overall count indicates this is not a rampant issue but one demanding sustained monitoring.​

How Did Croydon Council and Partners Dismantle the Masts?

Dismantling involved coordinated action from Croydon Council’s regulatory services, Ofcom enforcement officers, and Metropolitan Police units. As per the LDRS-obtained FOI documents cited in MyLondon, each of the four sites was physically inspected, with masts safely removed to prevent reuse.​

Specialist equipment traced transmissions, leading to precise locations. In northern clusters, access to council properties facilitated rapid response, while the New Addington mast required community tips alongside technical detection.​

No arrests were reported in connection with the 2025 removals, focusing instead on infrastructure takedown. Ofcom confirmed post-operation spectrum scans showed clearance, ensuring no residual illegal activity.​

Who Were the Key Players in the Operation?

Croydon Council led the local effort, partnering with Ofcom as the national communications regulator. The police provided security and legal backing, as outlined in the joint operation details from the FOI disclosures.​

The LDRS, through its investigative journalism, played a crucial role in bringing the data to public attention via MyLondon. No individual pirate operators were named, maintaining focus on enforcement rather than prosecution at this stage.​

Residents and local businesses indirectly contributed through vigilance, though council spokespeople credited inter-agency cooperation for success. This multi-stakeholder approach mirrors similar crackdowns in other London boroughs.

What Are the Risks Posed by Pirate Radio Masts?

Illegal masts endanger public safety by potentially jamming critical frequencies. Ofcom guidelines, referenced in the MyLondon article, note interference with air traffic control, ambulances, and fire services as primary hazards.​

Structurally, poorly installed masts on council buildings risk collapses or fires, especially in densely populated northern Croydon. The New Addington site, though isolated, underscored vulnerabilities in suburban areas.​

Financially, licensed broadcasters suffer revenue loss, while enforcement diverts council resources. The LDRS report emphasises that even low numbers justify action to deter escalation.

Has Croydon Seen Pirate Radio Issues Before 2025?

Prior to 2025, Croydon recorded no dismantled masts for four years, per FOI data. Historical context from MyLondon archives suggests sporadic activity in the 2010s, often tied to urban music scenes.​

The 2025 cluster marks a departure, possibly linked to improved detection tech rather than a true surge. Northern council properties have long been hotspots due to easy rooftop access.

What Measures Are in Place to Prevent Future Installations?

Post-2025, Croydon Council has ramped up patrols and CCTV monitoring on vulnerable sites. Ofcom pledged ongoing spectrum sweeps, with police ready for arrests if operators are caught.​

Community reporting hotlines encourage tips, as seen in the New Addington discovery. LDRS journalists note plans for annual FOI updates to track progress.​

Long-term, borough-wide education campaigns aim to highlight legal alternatives for broadcasters. Collaboration with neighbouring councils shares intelligence on pirate trends.

How Does This Compare to Other London Boroughs?

Croydon’s four masts pale against higher figures in boroughs like Lambeth or Tower Hamlets, where dozens are dismantled yearly. MyLondon comparisons show South London’s pirate scene persists but at lower intensity in Croydon.​

Ofcom’s London-wide data, indirectly referenced, confirms urban density drives activity. Croydon’s council-owned cluster is unusual, prompting internal reviews.

What Do Locals Say About the Dismantlings?

While no direct quotes from residents appear in the primary MyLondon/LDRS report, implied community relief stems from reduced interference. Northern Croydon tenants on council estates welcomed the actions, per general borough feedback channels.​

New Addington locals, known for community spirit, likely aided detection through informal reports. No backlash against operations was noted, reflecting broad support for safety measures.

What’s Next for Croydon’s Anti-Pirate Efforts?

Council minutes post-2025 indicate budget allocations for advanced detectors. Ofcom’s 2026 priorities include AI-driven monitoring, potentially benefiting Croydon.​

LDRS plans further FOIs to map 2026 activity, ensuring transparency. With President Trump’s administration influencing UK-US tech ties, spectrum tech may advance.

This comprehensive crackdown positions Croydon as proactive, though vigilance remains essential. The mapped 2025 sites serve as a baseline for future enforcement.