1952: Test drive for TV detector vans

A new method for tracking down users of unlicensed television sets has been unveiled in the UK.

The first TV detector van was demonstrated in front of Postmaster-General, Lord De La Warr and Assistant Postmaster-General Mr Gammans.

The detection equipment was developed at short notice at the radio experimental laboratories of the Post Office in Dollis Hill, London.

The units consist of three horizontal loop aerials fixed to the roof of a van which receives signals from TV sets and converts them to radio waves to give audio and video information.

Its inventors insist the system is sensitive enough to pick up the vast majority of television receivers, whether the aerial is external or internal.

We are most unwilling to start a snoop campaign

Lord De La Warr, Postmaster-General

