NEARLY 2,000 people in the Peterborough area were caught watching television without a licence last year – more than anywhere else across the region. TV Licensing revealed this week that 1,980 people were caught in Peterborough. A further 784 people were

NEARLY 2,000 people in the Peterborough area were caught watching television without a licence last year - more than anywhere else across the region.

TV Licensing revealed this week that 1,980 people were caught in Peterborough. A further 784 people were caught in Cambridge and 322 people were caught in the King's Lynn area.

Mark Whitehouse, TV Licensing spokesman for East Anglia, said: "On behalf of the vast majority of people who pay for their TV Licence, we work hard to catch those who attempt to cheat the system.

"These figures demonstrate that there really is no hiding place for TV Licence evaders, and we continue to be highly effective at catching them."

Across the UK, almost 4,000 more licence fee evaders were caught in 2009 compared to 2008. The average evasion rate is currently just over five per cent, meaning that almost 95 per cent of properties are correctly licensed.

A colour TV Licence currently costs �142.50 and is required by anyone watching or recording TV 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 for your TV Licence can be found at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info.