With the increase in 'day and date' global releasing of movies there is now an increased risk of illegal recording in UK cinemas.

How is it done?
Individuals use digital recording devices to steal films directly from cinema screens. These devices can range from camcorders to mobile phones and other digital recording devices. Copies are then distributed internationally via the Internet or used to produce DVDs for sale in the UK and worldwide.

Copies of illegally recorded movies are being acquired not just by "release groups" for distribution over the Internet but also by organised crime networks who illegally produce counterfeit discs. Release groups are comprised of individuals who acquire pirated content from thieves recording illegally in cinemas and are the
first source of piracy on the Internet.

Sophisticated groups are now able to combine the stolen video sourced from one cinema with the stolen audio sourced from an entirely different cinema. This audio-only theft can prove more
challenging to prevent.

Developments in technology are leading to smaller, more compact devices which have the capability to record sound and vision, including many mobile phones.