MORE than 2,000 Waltham Forest residents were caught watching television without a licence in 2009.

The figures, released by TV licensing, show the borough had the 15th highest number of caught fee evaders out of London's 33 boroughs.

Waltham Forest had a slightly higher figure than neighbouring Redbridge (1,905) and Hackney (1,755) but a substantially lower figure than Newham, which had the highest number of evaders caught in the whole of London (3,807).

In total more than 35,000 were caught across London in 2009.

Ian Fannon, a spokesman for TV Licensing said: “On behalf of the vast majority of people who pay for their TV Licence, we work hard to catch those who attempt to cheat the system.

“These figures demonstrate that there really is no hiding place for TV Licence evaders, and we continue to be highly effective at catching them.”

A colour television license costs £142.50, anyone not holding a TV Licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

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