The new TV detector which can reach into any home

With their peculiar and unwieldy antennae, the first TV detector vans were the stuff of science-fiction B movies.

And the myths that sprung up surrounding their supposed powers were also worthy of Hollywood.



But the latest weapon in the battle against licence-fee dodgers is a green torch-like device weighing less than 1lb – and it really does work, with frightening efficiency.

The hand-held detector linked to a set of headphones beeps if an operating TV is inside a radius of 29ft.

It means licensing officers can now target places previously inaccessible by cumbersome vans, such as homes in very remote areas and individual flats in blocks.



More than 25million of Britain's total of 28million homes do have a licence. But around 1,000 evaders were caught each day last year and 214,000 have already been nabbed in 2007.

And it is estimated that 1.4million viewers are still getting away with not paying the £135.50 colour licence – prompting authorities to develop their new weapon.

With more photos.