A TOTAL of 65 people were caught watching TV without a licence in Weymouth during the first six months of 2010.

They were among almost 209,000 people caught nationwide during the first half of this year.

Warren Carr, TV Licensing spokesperson for the South West, said: “The vast majority of people in Weymouth pay their licence fee.

“To be fair to those who pay, we have to be firm with those who attempt to get away without paying.

“We take TV licence evasion very seriously and, while we give people every opportunity to pay, we will not hesitate to prosecute if people continue to break the law.

“We do understand that some people may find it difficult to pay their licence fee in one go, which is why we offer 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 £145.50 and is required by anyone watching or recording TV programmes as they are shown on TV, whether they are using a TV set, computer, or any other equipment.

Anyone watching TV illegally risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.