Are you a TV licence evader?

3:35pm Thursday 17th July 2008

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CAERPHILLY has moved down one place in the licence-dodgers’ league of shame, according to figures released today by TV Licensing.

The latest figures show that nearly 370 people were caught watching TV illegally in Caerphilly during the first six months of 2008.

Caerphilly now ranks 6th in TV Licensing’s league of shame for Wales, below Bridgend but above Merthyr Tydfil. Cardiff tops the table with 1,384 evaders.

Anyone caught watching TV without a licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

TV Licensing’s database of more than 29 million addresses allows it to see which properties are unlicensed at the touch of a button.

Enquiry officers also have access to sophisticated detection equipment, including hi-tech handheld detectors, which were launched a year ago this month.

Nationally, TV Licensing has caught over 209,000 evaders since the start of 2008.

Rachael Micallef, TV Licensing spokesperson for Wales, said: "No town wants to appear in TV Licensing’s league of shame. Buying a TV licence is simple and can be done in minutes online, so there’s no excuse for licence-dodgers in Caerphilly letting the side down."

For more information about how to spread the cost of your licence, go to tvlicensing.co.uk/info