Over 500 Ballymena homes are found without TV licence

The tally was revealed by TV Licensing who also confirmed that more than 417,000 people were detected across the UK during the past 12 monthsand said this included more than 20,070 people in Northern Ireland, 6,500 of whom were in Belfast.

TV Licensing said Belfast had the sixth highest number of evaders in the UK and revealed that, across the UK, almost 4,000 more licence fee evaders were caught in 2009 compared to the previous year.

The average evasion rate is currently just over 5%, meaning that almost 95% cent of properties are correctly licensed.

The areas where the most TV Licence evaders were caught in Northern Ireland were: Belfast 6,501; Craigavon 1,363; Dungannon 1,227; Newry 1,151; Londonderry 855; Armagh 62; Enniskillen 603; Newtownards 598; Omagh 548 and Ballymena at 517.

Deborah King, TV Licensing spokesperson, 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.

"We do, of course, recognise that some people can find it difficult to pay for their TV Licence in one go, which is why we offer a range of ways to spread the cost, including monthly Direct Debit, which can be set up very quickly online or over the phone," she explained.

Anyone not holding a TV Licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to 1,000.

Further information on how and where to pay for your TV Licence can be found at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info