FROM claiming a television set was a fish tank to saying God forgot to tell them to buy a licence there is seemingly no excuse too bizarre or desperate for television licence dodgers.

But they are just some of the explanations collected by Swindon officials of the TV Licensing organisation in recent sweeps.

TV Licensing released the details as part of an announcement that this month's reminders for people who need to renew their licences may be late because of the unofficial strike action of some post office staff.

Last year, 1,438 evaders were caught in an intensive series of sweeps, while 353 were caught in the first six months of this year.

TV Licensing spokeswoman Sara Powell said: "Our officers have heard every excuse under the sun from the cheeky to the crazy to the plain daft.

"But people should remember that our officers are experts at catching evaders, so no matter how good the excuse, they will have heard it all before."

But behind the levity lies a serious message.

Anybody installing or using unlicensed equipment capable of receiving or recording TV programmes is liable to a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record. The cost of a colour licence is £116.

Ms Powell said detection equipment was becoming more and more sophisticated, and added: "You simply won't get away with it."

bhudson@newswilts.co.uk