Over 300 Doncaster students caught watching TV without a licence

Over 300 young people were caught watching live TV or BBC iPlayer without a TV Licence in the past year in Doncaster, according to new figures.
More than 300 students have been caught without a TV Licence in DoncasterMore than 300 students have been caught without a TV Licence in Doncaster
More than 300 students have been caught without a TV Licence in Doncaster

Date from TV Licensing has shown that 315 young people aged between 18 and 25 were caught watching television without the required licence.

With over 7,000 students at Doncaster College, the company has reminded students they could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 if they are caught watching any live TV, or BBC programmes on iPlayer, on any device, without a TV Licence.

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Matthew Thompson, spokesperson for TV Licensing, said:  'Every year there are myths which circulate around campus about when you do and don't need a licence. 

'As most students own at least one device capable of showing live TV or watching BBC iPlayer - such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet computer '“ it's important they know the law around being correctly licensed. 

'If you're watching live TV on any device, including mobiles and tablets, or watch catch up programmes on BBC iPlayer, you need to be covered by a TV Licence.' 

Research by TV Licensing shows that the number of students taking a TV to university has risen from 23 per cent to 27 per cent since last year. 

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Despite the explosion in popularity of smartphones and tablets, a television is still the most used device for students watching live or recorded TV.

Almost half of students think that TV Licensing is actively looking for students who are evading, with almost half, 46 per cent, believing TV Licensing is actively searching for evaders in their area who don't have a licence, who are watching BBC iPlayer.

The study also revealed more than 53 per cent of students think it would be would be embarrassing to get caught without a licence.