WREXHAM has seen a huge increase in the number of TV licence evaders caught in the past six months.
From January to June this year, 651 were collared, which is a 24 per cent increase on the same period last year.
And the figure was by far the highest in North Wales, dwarfing Rhyl which had the next highest tally with 290, and Flint where 93 were caught.
TV Licensing has revealed that more than 214,000 people were caught watching TV without a licence across the UK during the first six months of 2009.
Throughout the UK, about 5,000 more licence fee evaders were caught in the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period last year.
The average evasion rate is currently just over five per cent, meaning that almost 95 per cent of properties are correctly licensed.
In the period 2008/09 TV licence collection costs fell to 3.4 per cent of total income collected from 3.6 per cent the previous year.
Warren Carr, TV Licensing spokesperson for Wales, said: “These figures show our continued effectiveness in catching people who watch TV illegally and therefore penalise the honest majority who do pay.
“While evaders come from all income groups, we understand that in the current economic climate some people may find it difficult to pay their licence fee in one go.
“This is why we provide numerous ways to spread the cost, including monthly Direct Debit, which can be set up very quickly online, and a weekly cash payment plan."
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 the Licence Fee can be found at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info.
Have your say on the TV licence issue by registering and leaving a comment below.