EIGHTY-one young people were caught watching TV without a licence in Oxfordshire in the past year, new figures have revealed.

Figures from TV Licensing show more than 27,000 people, aged 18 to 25, were caught in the UK from September last year to this August.

Watching live TV on any device without a licence can result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

It said students were not exempt and that research found 24 per cent thought they did not need one if they were watching TV on a computer, laptop or mobile telephone.

After the Oxford Mail asked how many cases resulted in successful prosecutions, a spokesman said: “We are unable to comment on any individual cases.”

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TV Licensing's spokesman for London and the South East Martin Dyan said: “On average, students own three devices capable of streaming live TV, so it’s important they understand the law when it comes to TV and devices.

“Watching live TV on any device is illegal without a TV licence and could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

“If you are a student and you are worried about paying for a TV licence, get in touch.

“We know some people struggle to pay, which is why we have many payment options available to spread the cost in smaller, more manageable chunks.”

In September, Culture Secretary Sajid Javid announced he would set up a review into the licence fee, to look at making watching TV without one a civil instead of criminal offence.

This would mean people would not risk being sent to prison or getting a criminal record.

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