TV Licence-dodgers league of shame
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Figures released by TV Licensing has revealed that inspectors are winning the battle against tv licence dodgers. NCL31-05s
TV Licence-dodgers league of shame
FIGURES released this week by TV Licensing reveal that Magherafelt has moved down in the licence-dodgers' league of shame, proving that TV Licence inspectors are winning the battle against TV licence dodgers.
The figures reveal that, of the 25 areas listed, Magehrafelt is currently ranked 25th in the half year league table for 2008 with a total of 74 people having been detected from January to June 2008.
Meanwhile, Coleraine is currently ranked at 16 with 157 detections, having previously been in 12th place in 2007. Detections in Limivady have also fallen as it now ranked at number 22nd with 88 detections, having previously been rated as the 18 worst place for dodging tv licences.
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 209,000 evaders since the start of 2008. Anyone caught watching TV without a licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
Deborah King, TV Licensing spokesperson, 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 Limavady, Coleraine or Magherafelt letting the side down.
“TV Licensing's powerful database shows precisely which properties are unlicensed, meaning enquiry officers can target addresses where they suspect people are watching TV illegally. But we would much rather people buy a licence rather than risk prosecution and a fine, which is why we offer a convenient range of ways to pay. For more information about how to spread the cost of your licence, go to www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info."
