Television licence dodgers top 500

Hundreds of Rochdale residents are among a whopping 214,000 television licence evaders who have been caught watching TV illegally so far this year.

Official figures have revealed 550 Rochdale households were swooped upon during the first six months of 2009 alone.

A total of 710 home owners were detected in neighbouring Oldham along with 290 in Ashton.

Nationally, some 5,000 more licence fee evaders were caught compared with the same period last year. The average evasion rate is 5%.

Charlotte Renwick, TV Licensing spokeswoman for northern England said: “These figures show our continued effectiveness in catching people who watch TV illegally.

“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 currently costs £142.50 and is required by anyone watching or recording TV programmes on a TV set, computer or any other equipment.

Fines for not having a licence can total £1,000.