Kiddie crimes shock figures

A THREE-YEAR-OLD and more than 20 five-year-olds have committed criminal offences in the city during the past year.

Statistics released under Freedom of Information laws show a three-year-old was reported to Lothian and Borders Police for malicious damage to a vehicle, while 21 five-year-olds were reported for assault, theft, vandalism and breach of the peace.

Between April 2009 and March 2010 at least 192 children under eight committed offences across Scotland, a 45 per cent rise from three years ago.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruaraidh Nicolson, of the Association of Police Officers, said: "Acpos supports proposals to increase the age of criminal liability to 12."