THOUSANDS of people are to receive a warning from police in the coming days ordering them to stop using an illegal service or face prosecution.

More than 7000 residents are believed to be subscribed to a streaming service called IPTV, which allows users to illegally stream premium channels at a reduced rate.

Those signed up to the service will receive cease and desist notices this week, via email, asking them to stop using the service immediately.

The warning states that subscribing to these services is a crime which carries a maximum sentence of up to five years imprisonment and or a fine, and consequently, a criminal record.

The notice, one of the first of its kind aimed at consumers of illegal streaming services, also makes clear that Lancashire Constabulary will monitor subscribers’ behaviour and an investigation will be launched if the email is ignored.

This action is part of an ongoing investigation designed to crackdown on illegal streaming and those profiting from it.

The list of subscribers to the IPTV service was discovered after officers carried out a warrant at an address in Lytham in June.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with suspected illegal streaming of premium TV channels, fraud and money laundering. Two high value cars, designer clothing, jewellery and handbags were also seized from the address.

The man has since been released under investigation and enquiries continue.

Olivia Dodding from Lancashire Police Cyber Crime Unit said: “People who subscribe to these services might not realise that they are illegal, but the simple fact is that they are.

“What may cost you a relatively small fee, actually results in television producers and sports broadcasters losing millions of pounds which affects their ability to make and show sports events and entertainments series, which many of us enjoy watching.

“Anyone who subscribes to IPTV or any other steaming service should stop now to avoid facing prosecutions themselves.”

Earlier this year is was announced that several illegal football and subscription streaming services were shut down following a nationwide piracy crackdown.

It followed a surge in piracy after people turned to the telly during lockdown.

The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) claims it stopped 17 different illegal services following an investigation. Some of the content was also streamed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.