A CRACKDOWN has caught more than 100 TV licence evaders in Ipswich this summer. As armchair sports fans cheered on their heroes throughout Euro 2004, Wimbledon, and the Olympics TV Licensing's own team of officers were out on the streets.
A CRACKDOWN has caught more than 100 TV licence evaders in Ipswich this summer.
As armchair sports fans cheered on their heroes throughout Euro 2004, Wimbledon, and the Olympics TV Licensing's own team of officers were out on the streets.
Mark Whitehouse, spokesman for TV Licensing, said: "Major sporting events provide a golden opportunity for us to catch evaders.
"Our continuous crackdown during this summer of sport has led to 140 fans in Ipswich scoring an own goal when they were caught watching without a licence.
Mr Whitehouse said there had been an increase of officers thanks to a recent recruitment drive.
He said: "Our database of more than 28 million addresses shows us which properties are unlicensed and our enquiry officers work at all times of the day, particularly when we know a lot of people will be watching.
"With the prospect of a trip to court and a fine of up to £1,000 we always prefer people to buy a licence rather than be prosecuted.
"We continue to urge evaders to buy a licence before they get caught."
A colour TV licence costs £121. For more information about how to get one call 0870 2415590 or visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk
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