In 2003, 1744 were caught in Dundee. The top five cities were Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee and Paisley.

Despite a marketing blitz and increased activity in the field to keep up the pressure on evaders to obtain a licence, it would appear the message is not getting through to a lot of people in Dundee, with 200 dodgers caught during March alone — 135 more than last year.

The Scottish survey, which included Dundonians, showed 91% of people think anyone who commits an offence should “not be allowed to get away with it”. But it also showed over half the Scots questioned (54%) admit to dishonest behaviour themselves.

Coming out worst were the middle classes and high earning professionals (ABs) with over 72% admitting to at least one of the offences listed compared to 27% of those on lower incomes (DEs).

When people were asked what they thought were the most “morally wrong” actions, TV licence evasion came out third with 38%, following parking in a disabled space (59%) and not paying road tax (58%) respectively.

In the battle of the sexes, the research revealed men are more dishonest than women, with 64% compared to 46% admitting to a crime.

The latest figures in Dundee follow a drive at the end of last year, in which TV Licensing more than doubled the number of inquiry officers on the city’s streets.

TV Licensing’s operation to catch evaders is driven by its database of more than 28 million addresses, which records whether a property in the UK is licensed.

This means inquiry officers only visit properties where there is no record of a TV licence. The team also has access to detection equipment, including detector vans and handheld scanners.

Anyone caught without a valid TV licence risks a trip to court and a fine of up to £1000. For more information on TV licences, including concessions and ways to pay, call 0870 241 5590 or visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk