More than 170 people in Kingston have been caught red handed watching TV without a license during the first six months of 2011.

TV Licensing has revealed that more than 1,000 were caught in the whole of Surrey although almost 95 per cent of properties in the country are correctly licensed.

Pauline Gillingham a TV Licensing spokesperson warned that evasion was taken very seriously and if people break the law they would not hesitate to prosecute.

She said: “We would always prefer people to buy a TV Licence than risk prosecution and give people every opportunity to pay.

“However, we do understand 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 a weekly cash payment plan, a savings card and monthly Direct Debit scheme, which can all be set up very quickly online.”

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.