That’s not an implausible situation because if you’re anything like me you’ll object to throwing away a perfectly good TV set even if you don’t use it.
If one of TV Licensing’s goons came knocking* you’d probably think you were in the clear – after all, you’ve never watched anything on that dusty old set under the stairs.
Think again. It’s a sad fact that that TV set could be “installed” enough for TV Licensing to prosecute you for licence evasion.
They consider a TV set to be installed if any broadcast image, however blurred or snowy, can made out when they flick through the channels.
It’s not unknown for their employees to plug in their own aerial (be it finger, half eaten pie or whatever) in an attempt to see the slightest hint of an image, so they can threaten the householder with prosecution unless they instantly sign up for a licence. Coincidentally they earn commission for every unsuspecting punter they trap this way.
So the message is to make sure your unused TV sets are completely detuned, aerial removed and well hidden away. And don’t let the bastards in your home unless you have to!
*If TV Licensing’s goons come knocking without a search warrant we recommend you say nothing and close the door. If they start aggressively banging on your door, peering through your windows or shouting through your letterbox you should call the police. Remember they have no right of entry or cooperation without a search warrant.