How Scots are worst in Britain for ‘microcrime’

THEY are, at first glance, trifling misdemeanours.

But behaviour such as not paying for a plastic bag or giving someone cash in hand are classed as ‘microcrimes’ – and Scots are the UK’s worst offenders.

A new study found that 80 per cent of Scots admit having committed such offences, which also includes illegally downloading movies.

This is in contrast to a UKwide figure of 74 per cent, according to the research by YouGov, which questioned 1,669 adults.

Other typical microcrimes include fare-dodging on public transport and eating pick ’n’ mix, or loose fruit, without paying.

The most common breach among Scots was paying someone cash in hand, knowing they would not pay tax – which 46 per cent of Scots admitted doing, compared with 43 per cent across the UK.

Others included illegally streaming TV shows, which 32 per cent of Scots had done against 28 per cent across the UK. Taking a plastic bag from a supermarket without paying was committed by 20 per cent of Scots compared with 17 per cent across the UK.

It is estimated that supermarkets in Scotland could be losing £470,000 a year through people stealing plastic bags.

Conversely, only 8 per cent of Scots admits putting a product through a self-service till for less than it should cost, despite 9 per cent of Brits overall having done this.

Other microcrimes in the study included lying about one’s age or a child’s age to get a discount, refilling a drink without paying extra and telling someone a food order was a takeaway rather than one to eat in because it costs less.

Social media users were quick to debate the survey results. Arthur Underwood started a discussion regarding one microcrime not included on the list. He said: ‘The law is the law. If you are in possession of a pen or pencil provided by your employer while not at work or you use it privately, you are committing a crime.’

Irv Swerve disputed whether some of the microcrimes were illegal, writing: ‘Streaming TV or films via the internet, which you haven’t paid for is not a criminal offence. At worst you may be liable in a civil action for breach of copyright.’

Robert H joked: ‘I stole a pencil back in Year 6. Guess I’d better hand myself in at the police station.’

Shona Long added: ‘I want to meet the one in four of us who are perfect.’

The poll also found the middle-classes are more likely to be microcriminals than working class people (78 per cent compared to 69 per cent), while men commit more such offences than women (77 per cent against 71 per cent).

Meanwhile, 68 per cent of people aged 65 or older confessed to microcrimes, compared to 83 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds.

However, as YouGov pointed out, it may just be that older people are less likely to admit their guilt.

‘Guess I’d better hand myself in’