§ 29. Mr. Matesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offences of burglary in 1978 were committed by persons of 16 years or less; and what percentage increase or decrease this figure represents over the previous year.
§ Mr. JohnSuch information can be given only in respect of offences which result in a finding of guilt or a caution. In 1977, the latest year for which information is available, the number of persons aged 10 and under 17 who were found guilty or cautioned by the police in England and Wales for the offence of burglary was 41,600 compared with 40,000 in 1976—an increase of 4 per cent.