As many as 60 young people in Chelmsford have been caught watching television without a TV licence in the past year.

This comes as a study finds that more than 900 people aged between 18 and 25 in Essex have been caught evading TV licensing while that figure reaches more than 33,000 nationwide.

Recent research by TV Licensing shows  BBC iPlayer continues to be the most used service for catch up and on demand by students, with 81 per cent of students in the South of England using the BBC platform.

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

Ben Craig, spokesman for TV Licensing London and South East, said:  
“With many students owning 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 a TV Licence.  

“Students and young adults need to be aware of their legal responsibilities. 

"Anyone caught watching TV without a TV Licence can face prosecution and a fine of up to a £1,000.