600 caught without TV licence in Shrewsbury and Telford

More than 600 people have been caught watching TV without a licence in Shrewsbury and Telford since January, new figures revealed today.

Nearly 500 were caught on their doorsteps in Telford, with about 190 in Shrewsbury receiving visits from inspectors over the six-month period.

The figures reveal 140 were also caught in Oswestry as it showed nearly 200,000 were caught out across the UK during the first half of the year.

TV Licensing's West Midlands spokesman, Mark Whitehouse, said: "While the vast majority of people in the UK pay their licence fee, to be fair to those who pay, we have to be firm with those who try to get away without paying.

"We take TV Licence evasion very seriously and we will not hesitate to prosecute if people continue to break the law.

"We would always prefer people to buy a TV Licence than risk prosecution and give people every opportunity to pay.

"However, we do understand some people may find it difficult to pay their licence fee in one go, which is why we offer numerous ways to spread the cost, including a weekly cash payment plan, a savings card and monthly direct debit scheme."

Mr Whitehouse said the average evasion rate remained at a low of just over five per cent, meaning that almost 95 per cent of properties were correctly licensed.

Carol Siarkiewicz, executive director at the Institute of Money Advisers, said: "Lots of people struggle with their finances.

"But if you choose to watch TV without being correctly licensed you're breaking the law and risk making it worse.

"We welcome the ways in which TV Licensing makes it as easy as possible for people to spread the cost of their TV Licence and make payments online.

"But if you're having trouble, we urge you to give TV Licensing a call or seek help from a free money adviser in your area."

A colour TV Licence costs £145.50 and is required by anyone watching or recording TV programmes as they are shown on TV, whether they are using a TV set, computer, or other equipment. Anyone watching TV illegally risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

By Wayne Beese