London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
London County Council 1932
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London County Council]
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54
Charges.
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The preponderance of delinquency fell within the 11-14 year age group.
Stealing and allied offences contributed 68 per cent. of the cases of boys and only 40 per
cent. of the girls. On the other hand a greater proportion of cases of wandering and being out of
control occurred in the latter.
Cycle and car stealing have been prevalent. It might be mentioned in passing that the
youngest car thief was a boy just over ten years old, but with the height of a boy of eight. He
started and drove a stolen light car for half a mile in a crowded district without damage to life
or property. Quite an appreciable proportion of thefts seem to show premeditation.
Among boys, as might perhaps be expected, charges in connection with breaches of recognisances
were more prevalent in the age group 14-16 than in any other. An impression was gained
that the majority were in work though perhaps not continuously. Youths of this age seem to
have a certain amount of time on their hands and might have been more usefully occupied in
attending evening school classes.