HC Deb 18 May 1976 vol 911 cc440-1W
Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were convicted of causing damage to property during each of the last three years; and what is his estimate of the number of such offences which were actually committed.

Mr. John

The number of persons convicted of offences of criminal damage in the years 1973 –75 is as follows:

Persons found guilty of offences of criminal damage—England and Wales
Number of persons
1973 33,223
1974 36,251
1975 (provisional) 38,470

The total number of such offences committed is not known, but the table below gives the number of offences of criminal damage of £20 or over recorded as known to the police during the years in question:

Offences of cirminal damage of £20 or over recorded as known to the police—England and Wales
Number of offences
1973 52,815
1974 67,086
1975 (provisional) 78,550

Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the maximum fine which can be awarded for a first offender convicted of causing damage to property; and what was the average fine actually awarded for such offences during 1975.

Mr. John

The maximum fine which may be imposed on an offender—whether or not he is a first offender—aged 17 and above on summary conviction of an offence of criminal damage is £400; on conviction on indictment there is no limit on the amount which may be imposed. The maximum fine for an offender aged 14 and under 17 is £50; and for one under 14 £10. Information about the average fines awarded to first offenders convicted of offences of criminal damage is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many community service orders were made in 1975 in respect of offenders who were convicted of causing damage to property.

Mr. John

Community service schemes were available in only a limited number of areas in 1975. Provisional figures show that about 150 community service orders were made following convictions of offences of criminal damage.