The number of rogue telly-addicts in Colchester caught by licencing enforcers has almost doubled in the past year.
The town - and more particularly its television owners - came third in a league of shame compiled by TV Licencing. It is among the worst places for licence evasion in the UK.
The number of illicit screen watchers caught by the authority during 2002 was runner-up only to central London and Brighton.
The town has shot up the annual rogue viewer rankings from 19th position in the South East in 2001, to third last year.
In total, 1,492 people were caught in 2002 compared with 842 in 2001.
In a bid to combat licence fee dodging, TV Licencing launched a range of activities including an educational programme to highlight not only the rules regarding the need for a TV licence and sent out a clear message that people breaking the law will be caught.
Vanessa Wood, spokeswoman for TV Licensing, said: "This is perhaps the only league where it's good to be relegated. Evaders in Colchester and other parts of Essex are the biggest losers because they have been caught breaking the law.
"The consolation for those who do pay is the knowledge that all those who are caught risk an appearance in court, a fine of up to £1,000 and court costs as well as the price of a licence. It is a tough penalty to pay."
Published Friday, February 7, 2003
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