Two-thirds of all crimes are committed by males under the age of 25; one half of all crimes by males under 20 (females committing crimes are outnumbered 7 to 1 by males). Of all age-groups, 15-16 year old boys are the most likely to commit a crime.

There have always been worries about young people committing crime. As crime increased in the 20th century, so the worries increased. With universal education, better health and increased prosperity, why were so many young males involved with crime?