HC Deb 07 May 1987 vol 115 c511W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average age of offenders in England and Wales committing each of (a) violence against the person, (b) burglary, (c) theft and handling of stolen goods, (d) fraud and forgery, (e) criminal damage and (f) all crimes.

Mr. Mellor

The figures for those cautioned or convicted indicate the peak age of offending as 18 for violence against the person; 15 for burglary; 15 for theft and handling stolen goods: 18–21 for fraud and forgery and 15 for criminal damage. The peak age for known offending in general is 15 for boys and 14 for girls.