My neighbourhood has been plagued by a peeping tom who gets his kicks by shining a powerful infra-red torch through people's windows.

The guy is clearly breaking the law on behaviour liable to lead to a breach of the peace, and probably quite a few other things. However, I was told last night that infra-red torches are banned here in the United Kingdom.

I've asked the police whether this is true, and they were unable to give me an on the spot answer.

Does anybody know for certain whether infra-red torches are banned in the UK and even better, what act of parliament they're banned under ? It would be extremely helpful if I could quote the same the next time I talk to the police.