dodgers.

Cablevision hopes the cash carrot will uncover illegal television wire connections.

It is also offering TV tell-tales one year's free cable service.

One aim is to thwart viewers from hooking up several televisions to a single cable -- while paying for just one connection.

Last week Cablevision warned people they could be fined $3,000 or jailed for tampering with its wires or equipment.

These penalties come under the recently passed 1993 Telecommunications Amendment Act.

The law also provides for a $500 daily fine.

Cablevision, however, pledged no action against those who reported "unauthorised connections''.

Now the company has set out to tighten the net around cable cheats.

It has taken out an advertisement in The Royal Gazette , offering the $250 reward and free service.

The offer is to anyone "providing information leading to the conviction of person or persons connecting or installing unauthorised primary cable services to our cable wires and or equipment.

"This includes authorised primary connections to lockboxes or pass throughs to other apartments.'' A $10 reward is on offer as well for the return of any Cablevision converter box.

The ad also carries a list of "dos and don'ts'' for Cable viewers.

This stresses Cablevision employees must produce an ID card and photograph before beginning any job.

And it urges people not to allow unauthorised staff to install wires.

In addition, signed receipts should be handed over for any work.

Cablevision operations manager Ms Debbie DeSilva yesterday declined to comment on the ad.

Attorney General Mr. Walter Maddocks said he knew of no reason why Cablevision could not offer a reward.

But he stressed it would be for the AG's chambers or the Police to decide whether to prosecute.

"I know of no reason why a private individual or private organisation should not offer a reward for anyone apprehending someone committing a criminal offence.'' The new laws against unauthorised cable connections have drawn criticism.

Opposition Senate leader Sen. Alex Scott said several people had complained.

He told the Senate recently people could hook up several phones in their homes to one telephone line.

"Why is this different with cable?'' he asked.

Telecommunications Minister the Hon. Michael Winfield said the law was designed for "major wilful damage'' outside the home.