Topping 'league of shame'

Just over 20,000 people were found to be without a licence in Northern Ireland last year - 1,363 of them from Craigavon.

Belfast topped the league of shame with over 6,000 evaders caught while Dungannon was third on the list, behind Craigavon with 1,227 collared.

A spokeswoman for TV licensing said the organisation worked hard to beat the cheats.

She added: "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 television 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.