HUNDREDS of children have been reported for housebreaking, according to official figures.

Across Scotland, 517 under 17s were referred to the Children’s Reporter for housebreaking offences.

In Glasgow, 79 under 18s were reported in the last three years.

The youngest in the city was aged 11 while at least one eight-year-old was referred in both Highland and in East Ayrshire.

In Glasgow, the most common age was 15 with 32 reported, 29 aged 14, and 15 aged 13.

There were between one and four 11-year-olds reported in Glasgow.

The figures were obtained by the Scottish Conservatives who said they were “alarmed” by them.

Justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: “Being broken into and robbed is one of the most upsetting things that can happen to a household.

“For victims, it’s irrelevant what age the perpetrators are, it remains terrifying and can leave a lasting impact.

“It’s alarming that hundreds of children have been referred for this crime across Scotland in recent years, and the trend isn’t improving.

“We need to ensure these youngsters are put on the right path, because once people start out on this road to a career in crime, it’s extremely hard to get them off it.”

The number is a small percentage of the total housebreaking offences committed in Scotland.

Over the last decade the number of housebreaking offences has also fallen Last year, 2016/17, there were more than 12,000 domestic housebreaking crimes committed, down from almost 17,500 in 2007/08.

On the number of children reported, the Tories said that parents had to take some responsibility.

Mr Kerr added: “When children who haven’t even reached their teens are being referred for this, questions really do have to be asked about the parents too.

“Housebreaking generally is a problem across Scotland, with an extremely poor clear-up rate.

“Having hundreds of under 18s contribute to this only makes things worse.”