A CRACKDOWN on television licence dodgers is being launched this week with people facing hefty fines if caught.

The latest area targeted in TV Licensing's zero campaign is Darlington, and every household in the town will come under the spotlight.

The organisation says it has comprehensive, up-to-date information on television licence evaders in County Durham which is held on its computer database.

TV licensing inquiry officers will be zeroing in on those evaders who persist in using a television set without a valid licence.

Television licence dodgers face fines of up to £1,000 in the magistrates' court, with the average penalty being £400.

Mark Auslebrook, from TV Licensing in the region, said: "Since April 1999, we have caught more than 1,000 evaders in Darlington as a result of our enforcement activity.

"Despite publicity campaigns and mail drops there are still people in the town without a licence.

"These evaders risk a visit to the magistrates' court and face a hefty fine. Our message is simple, buy a TV licence or we will be calling at your door."

A fleet of four detector vans will be touring the streets of Darlington in search of licence dodgers on Friday as part of the month-long campaign, supported by 30 inquiry officers. The campaign will see hundreds of homes being visited.

People using a TV set at an address that has no licence will already have received letters to their homes warning them to buy a licence before they receive a visit.

TV Licensing, which in the past has been branded as "uncaring" in its approach to licence dodging, is also introducing ways to help those who cannot afford to pay the costs.

Mr Auslebrook said: "In recent years we have introduced a number of schemes to spread the cost of a licence over the year.

"For people who genuinely have problems paying, we are working with national and regional organisations such as National Debtline and the Money Advice Association to develop and offer payment schemes to help them."

For more details about television licences and their cost telephone 08705 226666