GLASGOW has maintained its record as the worst city in Scotland for TV licence evasion.

GLASGOW has maintained its record as the worst city in Scotland for TV licence evasion.

More than 11,600 dodgers were caught out in the first six months of 2008 - almost four times the number traced in Edinburgh and the highest in the UK outside London.

Paisley was ranked fifth in the Scots league table, with 1392, Airdrie ninth with 740 and Motherwell 10th with 691.

Most viewers caught were traced through TV Licensing's database of more than 29 million addresses.

The system allows enforcement officers to see which properties are unlicensed at the touch of a button.

Anyone caught watching TV without a licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.

Fergus Reid, TV Licensing spokesman for Scotland, said: "No town wants to appear in TV Licensing's league of shame.

"Buying a TV licence can be done in minutes online. There's no excuse for licence-dodgers in Scotland letting the side down.

"Our database shows which properties are unlicensed, meaning inquiry officers can target addresses where they suspect people are watching TV illegally."

Across Scotland, TV Licensing caught more than 42,000 evaders between January and June. Last year 21,715 licence dodgers were caught in Glasgow.