Hundreds of TV Licence-dodgers caught out in Harlow

HUNDREDS of people in Harlow were caught watching television without a licence last year, according to new figures published this week.

A total of 690 licence-dodgers were snared by the authorities after failing to pay the £145.50 fee.

Those caught cheating the system face being hauled before the courts and hit with fines of up to £1,000.

Pauline Gillingham, TV Licensing spokesperson for the south east, said "TV viewing is as popular as ever, and it’s our role to make sure everyone is aware of when they need to be covered by a licence.

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

"People are given every opportunity to pay but if they fail to do so and watch TV illegally we will seek a prosecution. It’s really not worth the risk."

For more information on how to buy a TV License, log on to www.tvlicensing.co.uk.