They're on to me!

[DrSnoosnoo]

The TV licence people that is. I got a personal visit while I was out at work and they left me note telling me how they came round at 8.40am to help me watch tv legally.

How dare they bother me, demanding I'm guilty until I'm proven innocent. Demanding I should pay money to a private company who get grants from the government and the EU.

We're out of the house between 7.30 and 6.30 anyway, what are the chances they'll knock on at another time for me to close the door in their face?
____________________
I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[andym]

Have you had any letters reminding you to get a TV licence?

I ignored them for the past 2 years, then decided to get a bigger TV and the letters started coming through to this address.... so eventually I went online to fill in the form stating that I wasn't watching or recording TV it as it was broadcast.

I didn't even fill in my full name, just first name and last initial, my full address and that I only use my TV for computer and video games.... I got an email stating they would update their records and I haven't heard anything since.

Mind you I do only use my TV's for computer and video games... I think in the last 3 1/2 years I've probably watched about 5 hours of TV

[Tungtvann]

I'd never tell them who exactly I am or let them in my home, they're strangers with no more powers/rights that any other random fucker banging on your door. Scumbags, the lot of them.

[DrSnoosnoo]

As you two have mentioned I watch catchup mainly- smart tv has iPlayer and whatnot on it and I've got a PS4 I try to get my use of too.

I don't want to write to them because I don't want them to have any details about me. If they come to the door it'll be, "who are you?" Then I'll probably say, "no canvassers" lol
____________________
I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[Dave70]

I had a bloke knock on my door late one evening a few years back, who said he was from the TV licencing people. I told him that I didn't have a TV and he asked if he could come in and have a look for himself.

What do you think I did:
A). Said, Why not dear fellow, come in and peruse around my apartment at your leisure?

Or

B) Said "No" and shut the door?

IMO the TV licence should now be consigned to the history books. Like many other channels, it should be left to the individual to pay for if they choose to subscribe to BBC channels. If it's such good value for money, then what's the problem? Surely they'll have folks throwing money their way so they can watch the next thrilling installment of some unheard of celebrity fuckwit show, or the next enthralling period drama (I'm sure it's the same one they've been showing for decades but, with a new title), or maybe to watch 0.5 seconds of a 90 minute football match, or maybe Moto Gp....oh, hang on....
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There ain't no devil, there's just god when he's drunk.

2012: R125 killed by white van. 2016 R125 killed by 30,000 miles of redline. Current: 2016 Kawasaki ER6f.

[Ste]

17 letters and only 1 visit.

https://i.imgur.com/rpo8nao.jpg

[Fisty]

They took me to court. And lost.
____________________
Quietly and consistently taking the piss.
TL1000R | Hayabusa | ZXR400 | TL1000S | Bandit 400 V
Fatter and faster than Fret

[b422063]

They're commission based, so they can call whenever they like. They may do a late shift as they know people will be home from work. I literally just close the door on them.

They give themselves away quite easily as they're insistent to know who you are so they can give personalised threats.

[Rogerborg]

[Ratty]

[rideslikean00...]

[DrSnoosnoo]

The last thing I'm gonna do is get my phone out like those idiots on the internet. But yeah I've been reassuring the missus that if anyone calls to the door and asks us who we are, don't tell them whoever they say they are.

I've always thought, they've got to prove I'm watching TV, they really can't. The letters now say if I have a mobile, games console, tv, laptop or pc I have to tell them whether or not I watch TV. Piss off!!
____________________
I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[Rockhopper]

I've had my "final warning" letter as well. I'm hoping they call soon as I've got my performance all worked out!

[Chuffin Nora]

[DrSnoosnoo]

[Tungtvann]

As long as your mrs doesn't crack and break down in tears, letting them in, telling them who you are, you'll be fine. They rely on intimidating vulnerable people, normally women alone in the house who believe they are some sort of 'official' government department and therefore must do anything they ask.

Well, you'd be fine anyway because you don't watch live TV of course, but it's the principle of not being assumed guilty or having to have a TV licence with no reason.

[WD Forte]

Gave my TV & stuff away years ago and the first visit I got,
I was in a good mood and let the lady have a quick look inside.
They've left me alone for some years but
I've had two letters in two weeks from TV licensing which went in the bin
unopened so a visit wouldn't surpise me.
They aint getting in though, fuck em.

I occaisonally use iPlayer and see the vast majority of progs
the beeb has to offer are brain deadening shite they'd have to pay me to watch.
As for commercial TV, don't get me started. The feckin adverts!!
People actually pay to watch this shit?
____________________
bikers smell of wee

[b422063]

[Dave70]

Back on the Isle of Man a number of years ago, they turned up without the required work permits and were promptly sent back to where they came from. With much hilarity from the locals.
____________________
There ain't no devil, there's just god when he's drunk.

2012: R125 killed by white van. 2016 R125 killed by 30,000 miles of redline. Current: 2016 Kawasaki ER6f.

[monkeybiker]

Someone on another forum said that they do not answer the door to unexpected visitors which I thought was strange. They said when have you ever answered to an unexpected visitor and been happy to see them?

Makes a lot of sense now that I think about it.

[Dave70]

[DrSnoosnoo]

[Flatbadger]

I've not given the BBC a penny, but it's not so much fun now I don't actually have a TV. I could watch the live stream, but the illicit pleasure is offset by the bland programming.

Here's a nice 'shaming' PIF from the 70s -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfXWUA9X1Ck
____________________
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
You're in ISIS

[sidewinder]

last time they came to ours the missis started speaking to them in Welsh.they gave up and went

[stinkwheel]

A brief review of the Trespass laws in England and Wales.

It's a common law so you can't be prosecuted for it but you are comitting trespass if you have been asked to leave someones private property and refused/failed to do so immediately by the shortest available route.

Having done so, as the owner, you are legally allowed to use reasonable force to physically remove them from your property.

As such, anyone at my door claiming to represent TV licencing (or indeed any other branch of Capita plc) will be told quietly but clearly "Get off my land.". It will be repeated once more louder and more insistantly if they ignore it, after which they will immediately find themselves sitting on their arse in the road.

Do remember they (no matter what they might claim) have no right of access to your property without a search warrant. If they were executing one, they would have the police with them.

You can also formally withdraw their implied right of access between the street and your front door by writing to them.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.