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TV licence dodging on the increase
THE number of TV licence dodgers caught in South Shields in the first six months of the year has almost doubled, new figures reveal.
A total of 420 people were caught without a licence in the town, putting it number eight in a top 10 North East England league of shame.
TV licence bosses also caught 150 dodgers in Jarrow and 110 in Hebburn.
All those caught without a licence could now face fines of up to 1,000.
TV Licensing revealed that more than 214,000 people were caught watching television without a licence across the UK during the first six months of 2009 – up 5,000 from the same period last year.
The number of people caught in South Shields had almost doubled, from 250 in the first six months of 2008.
Charlotte Renwick, TV Licensing spokesperson for the north of England, said: "These figures show our continued effectiveness in catching people who watch TV illegally and therefore penalise the honest majority who do pay.
"While evaders come from all income groups, we understand that in the current economic climate, some people may find it difficult to pay their licence fee in one go.
"This is why we provide numerous ways to spread the cost, including monthly direct debit, which can be set up very quickly online, and a weekly cash payment plan."
A colour TV licence costs 142.50 and is needed by anyone watching or recording programmes as they are broadcast on a TV set, computer or any other equipment.
Anyone not holding a TV Licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to 1,000.
Further information on how and where to pay the licence fee can be found here.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
