HUNDREDS of people were caught watching television without a licence in St Albans last year.

Figures released today (February 20) by TV Licensing have revealed that more than 200 people in the district dodged the £145.50 fee during 2012.

Victoria Sykes, TV Licensing spokesperson, said: “The data released today shows evasion remains at historically low levels of approximately five per cent, with the overwhelming majority of people ensuring there are correctly licensed.

“In order to be fair to the law-abiding majority who do pay for their licence, we’ll continue to pursue the small minority of people do not pay.”

Anyone watching television illegally could be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £1,000.