A HALLOWEEN crack down on television licence cheats in Ipswich was announced today.People in Ipswich who don't have a TV licence are “in for a fright” this Halloween, says TV Licensing, as enquiry officers aim to catch a record number of evaders.

A HALLOWEEN crack down on television licence cheats in Ipswich was announced today.

People in Ipswich who don't have a TV licence are “in for a fright” this Halloween, says TV Licensing, as enquiry officers aim to catch a record number of evaders.

Jenna Frost, TV Licensing spokeswoman, said: “There are currently a record number of licences in force, so most people in Ipswich should only be preparing for trick or treaters this Halloween, rather than a knock on the door from TV Licensing.

“However if your skeleton in the closet is not having a TV Licence then be prepared for a ghostly visit this Halloween.

“We don't need magic to track down those watching television illegally, as with a database of more than 28 million addresses we know exactly which unlicensed premises to visit.

“We would much rather that people paid £131.50 for a colour TV licence than be haunted by the risk of prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000, plus court costs. There's no excuse for breaking the law - especially when the alternative could be as simple as spending a few minutes paying for your licence.”

Last Halloween almost 1,300 evaders were caught across the UK, 30 per cent higher than the usual average of around 1,000 dodgers a day.

Ms Frost added: “This year, in the run up to Halloween, enquiry officers in Ipswich will once again be out in force and so TV Licensing is warning people to buy a TV licence before they are unearthed.

“This focused activity follows a successful nine months for TV Licensing, with over 970 evaders already caught in the town. As the long winter nights begin to draw in, enquiry officers will continue the evening visits to track down those people watching TV without a licence.”