Dozens caught without TV licence

ALMOST 100 people were caught watching television without a valid licence in Evesham last year.

Figures released by TV Licensing also revealed more the 2,400 people were caught in Worcestershire and almost 390,000 across the UK.

Mark Whitehouse, TV Licensing spokesman for the West Midlands, said the vast majority of people were law abiding but the evasion rate was still too high at five per cent.

"On behalf of licence fee payers in Evesham, we are committed to tackling evasion and enforcing the law amongst the small minority who should pay, but don’t. It’s only fair," he said.

"People are given every opportunity to pay, but, if they fail to do so and watch television illegally, we will seek a prosecution."

The penalty for people who do not have a licence is a fine of up to £1,000, plus court costs and a victim surcharge.

Anyone found guilty is also required to buy a Television Licence at £145.50 if they still need one or they could face a second prosecution.

For more information log onto www.tvlicensing.co.uk