Hundreds caught without a TV licence

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MORE than 630 people were caught watching television without a licence in Worcester last year.

The figures released this week by TV Licensing show the city had the highest number of offenders in the county, with Redditch totalling more than 580 and Kidderminster over 470.

About 2,400 people were caught watching TV illegally across the whole county.

But the figures did show 19 out of 20 households and businesses had a valid licence.

Mark Whitehouse, TV Licensing spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: “TV viewing is as popular as ever, with the percentage of households who have a television set at 96 per cent, and it’s our role to make sure everyone is aware of when they need to be covered by a licence.

“People are given every opportunity to pay, but, if they fail to do so and watch TV illegally, we will seek a prosecution. The penalty is a fine of up to £1,000, plus court costs and a victim surcharge. Anyone found guilty is also required to buy a TV Licence at £145.50 if they still need one or they could face a second prosecution. It’s really not worth the risk.”