The figure makes up around a third of approximately 300,000 under-18s arrested each year and has prompted concerns that children are being arrested unnecessarily.
Terri Dowty, policy director at Action on Rights for Children (Arch), said the estimate, based on Home Office arrest statistics alongside Youth Justice Board figures, indicates police often take the wrong course of action.
"I have heard so many stories about young people, especially in run-down estates, being arrested for the slightest thing," she said.
"They feel as if they really don't matter - like it is just a matter of police getting their arrest figures up. Many of them haven't done anything wrong and are angry and aggrieved."
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
