TV licence dodgers face trick or treat

8:13pm Wednesday 24th October 2007

TV LICENCE dodgers in Bolton could find themselves in for a scare on Halloween.

For a team of inspectors will be out and about to make the most of the trick or treat season.

The homes of people who have failed to pay up will be targeted on October 31 because people are more likely to open their doors.

Last Halloween, around 1,600 licence fee dodgers were caught across the UK - 60 per cent more than average of around 1,000 a day.

Charlotte Hancock, TV Licensing spokesperson for the North of England, said: "This Halloween, don't be afraid of things that go bump in the night. Make sure you've got a TV licence and you won't get an unwanted visit from a TV Licensing enquiry officer.

"The vast majority of homes are correctly licensed, and our database of 29 million addresses allows us to see unlicensed addresses at the touch of a button.

"If you're spooked by the thought of a £1,000 fine, make sure you've got a TV licence. Otherwise you could end up looking a right pumpkin."

Last year, Bolton topped a league of shame in the North-west, with 2,903 people - more than anywhere else - refusing to pay.

And TV licensing inspectors have already caught 2,300 evaders in the borough this year.

A colour TV licence costs £135.50, while a black and white licence costs £45.50. They can be paid for online For more information about ways to pay, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk.