A CRACKDOWN on TV licence dodgers in Worcester has seen 80 brought to book in a month.

Inquiry officers and covert detector vans targeted unlicensed homes during peak viewing times in the city-wide offensive.

And they will continue to patrol the streets in the run-up to Christmas.

TV Licensing Midlands spokesman Mark Whitehouse said the haul was even more impressive as officers had come across some crazy excuses in the city this year.

Among the worst excuses officers have heard are:

n "It's a Japanese TV, so I didn't think I needed a British licence."

n "I don't need to pay for a colour licence - I promise you I always turn the colour down when I watch TV."

n "Just because I've a satellite dish on my house doesn't mean I've got a TV. I've got two pints of milk on my doorstep but no cow in my garden."

"Our enquiry officers have heard every excuse under the sun - from the cheeky to the crazy and the plain daft," said Mr Whitehouse.

"But people should remember our officers are experts at catching evaders, so no matter how good the excuse, they will have heard it all before. You simply won't get away with it."

"This year, with our brand new covert detector vans, evaders in Worcester should be extra wary as it really is a case of 'now you see it, now you don't'.

"By having the option of being able to remove the TV Licensing logo, licence evaders won't know we're in the area unless we want them to."

Evaders risk a trip to court, prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 plus costs - and they still have to obtain a valid licence.

TV Licensing is sending out further reminders to customers whose payments have been held up by the post strike.

Customers wishing to pay should telephone 0870 241 5590. Payment can also be made by logging on to www.tvlicensing.co.uk