380 TV licence evaders caught in Ballymoney and Moyle

This included more than 6,500 people in Belfast, 250 in Ballymoney and 130 in Ballycastle. Belfast had the 6th highest number of evaders in the UK.

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.

The areas where the most TV Licence evaders were caught in Northern Ireland were:

Deborah King, TV Licensing spokesperson, 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.

“We do, of course, recognise that some people can find it difficult to pay for their TV Licence in one go, which is why we offer a range of ways to spread the cost, including monthly Direct Debit, which can be set up very quickly online or over the phone. We also offer weekly or fortnightly payment cards, which can be topped up online, by phone, by text message or at one of 900 PayPoint outlets across Northern Ireland.”

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.