More than 1,000 Thanet residents were caught watching television without a licence in 2009, official figures show.

TV Licensing, whose database lists every licensed and unlicensed property in the country, found there were 592 licence fee evaders in Margate and 464 in Ramsgate.

Nationally, officials caught more than 417,000 people - an increase of around 4,000 on 2008.

Ian Fannon, a spokesperson for TV Licensing, 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 licence fee evaders and we continue to be highly effective at catching them."

A TV licence is required by anyone watching or recording programmes, whether on a television set, computer or any other equipment.

Anyone caught watching television without one risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Mr Fannon said people who are unable to pay upfront for a licence can spread the cost by monthly Direct Debit or by using weekly or fortnightly payment cards, which can be topped up online, by phone, by text message or at one of 22,000 national PayPoint outlets.

• For more information, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk or call 0300 790 6112.