Students in York are being targeted by TV detectors in a crackdown on campus cheats.

The TV Licensing Department is warning students that its officers will be visiting local campuses and adjoining residential areas from in the near future.

Students caught without a licence risk a visit to the magistrates court and a fine of up to £1,000.

One in four students are still said to be unaware of the importance of having a valid TV licence to watch television.

Yet the same rules apply to students as anyone else - regardless of whether they watch TV in their rooms, in halls of residence, or in shared, privately-rented accommodation.

Any addresses in York where licence evasion is suspected will be visited and officers have hand-held scanners specifically designed to detect televisions in use in blocks of flats and halls.

Simon Ablitt, director of field operations, said: "Students are breaking the law if they take a television with them to university and don't have a TV licence.

TV Licensing is working with the National Union of Students (NUS) to highlight the warnings. And the NUS has produced an on-line interactive planner so students can prioritise their bills.

The web-address is www.nusonline.co.uk, or students can go direct to the TV Licensing website at www.tv-l.co.uk