THE South West has been revealed as the ‘illegal download’ capital of the UK.

Research conducted by broadbanddeals.co.uk of 4,372 adults formed part of a wider study into illegal download and streaming habits.

On average, residents of the South West admitted to illegally streaming or downloading content 24 times per month, with London in second place with 22.

All participants were initially asked: “Have you ever knowingly downloaded or streamed content illegally through your phone, computer, television or other device?”

Two thirds (67 per cent) admitted to doing so ‘on a regular basis’ – at least once a month or more – and a further 14 per cent said that they did so ‘occasionally’.

When asked to clarify what they’d previously downloaded or streamed illegally, the list were as follows:

  • TV shows (88 per cent)
  • Football matches (60 per cent)
  • Films (63 per cent)
  • Music (53 per cent)
  • Games (36 per cent)

Of those polled, more than one in 10 (11 per cent) confessed to researchers that they were unaware if they’d ever illegally downloaded or streamed content.

More than two thirds of British adults confess to illegally downloading or streaming content regularly, with Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead amongst the most popular TV shows to be viewed this way in the UK.

Tom Rodgers, spokesperson for broadbanddeals.co.uk, said: “It seems from our research into the downloading habits of Britons that a very small percentage of people see an issue with essentially viewing content that has been obtained illegally.

“Whilst it may not seem as serious as some offences; it is by no means a victimless crime.

“When someone makes the decision to illegally obtain music, games, films and TV shows there are large numbers of ‘behind the scenes’ individuals, like session musicians, production assistant and junior animators, that are unfairly losing out on money and royalties and potentially the opportunity to work on such creative projects in the future.”