HYPOTHETICALLY<, is it illegal to

[colditz]

pick up police radio on your walkie talkie by accident?

Yes. But a lot of people do!

HYPOTHETICALLY, then, can you easily get caught?

Weird, I dont really know about the UK, but in america you can buy scanners. I know loads of people who owned one,and would always have it tuned into police frequencies. So I wouldn't think it would be a big deal to pick up on your walkie talkie. :S But again, I don't know how it works in the UK.

Yeah, it carries a maximum jail sentence of 1 year and a £2,000 fine!

No, you can't easily get caught. Many radios are sold for this specific purpose, although they are marketed in that way obviously! My brother has one that picks up the police and aircraft control.

they are not marketed in that way.