Police recorded over 11,000 crimes in 2025 where no action was taken because the suspect was under the age of 10, according to Home Office figures. These offences include rape, violent assault, drug crimes, and theft, all committed by children of primary school age who cannot be prosecuted under current law.
Rising Trend in Offending
The number of offences attributed to children under 10 has risen sharply since the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year's total of 11,031 represents a 15 percent increase from 9,554 in 2024 and a 66 percent jump from 6,642 in 2020. Experts suggest that exposure to mobile phones and the internet may be contributing to this surge, as children both use technology to commit offences and are influenced by violent or sexual content online.
Types of Offences
Of the total, 6,110 were violent offences, including death threats, stalking, attacks on police officers, and racially motivated crimes. There were 1,850 sexual offences, such as rape, sexual assault, and indecent exposure. Additionally, 265 thefts, four drug offences, and cases of arson, burglary, and kidnapping were recorded. Two kidnapping incidents, one in Nottinghamshire and one in Bedfordshire, involved suspects under 10.
Government Response
The figures emerge as ministers prepare a major overhaul of the youth justice system. Justice Secretary David Lammy has announced plans to expand parenting orders, which can compel parents to attend counselling and address their child's behaviour. Lammy is also considering raising the age of criminal responsibility to as high as 12, though a new youth justice White Paper suggests different ages for different offences, with the current threshold applying to the most serious crimes.
Expert Opinion
Kevin Moore, a retired Detective Chief Superintendent, said: "Criminalising under tens is not the answer. However, we do need to take action because it relates directly to poor parenting. Often, these children have no role models and no parental supervision. In the most serious cases, we should remove children from this environment and place them in care."
The government is also considering whether current law reflects modern understanding of childhood and development, as concern grows over children being drawn into crime at younger ages.
