Three out of four Britons are 'micro-criminals' - poll

A new poll suggests we are a nation of micro-criminals, with three out of four Britons admitting minor offences or "micro-crimes".

You may not have thought of yourself as a criminal before, but that's about to change.

Some 74% of people questioned in a poll by YouGov confessed to at least one so-called micro-crime, whether it be taking advantage of self-checkouts to avoid paying for something, or lying about your age to get a better deal.

According to the poll, these are the most common tiny crimes we have committed.

:: Paid someone cash-in-hand knowing so it costs less, knowing they won't pay tax - 43%

:: Illegally streamed TV programmes, films or music - 28%

:: Illegally downloaded TV programmes, films or music - 25%

:: Avoided paying for a fare on public transport - 24%

:: Said your food order was to take away rather than eat-in because it's cheaper - 22%

:: Lied about your age/situation to get a cheaper deal - 19%

:: Taken a plastic bag at a supermarket without paying for it - 17%

:: Lied about your child's age to get a cheaper deal - 16%

:: Refilled your drink without paying extra - 16%

:: Eaten loose fruit / pick n' mix at a shop without paying for it - 12%

:: Put a product through a self-service till for less than it should actually cost - 9%

The poll found that middle class people are more likely to have committed a micro-crime than working class people (78% vs 69%).

Your age and gender can also affect your temptation to commit a tiny crime.

Men, the poll found, are more likely to be micro-criminals than women (77% versus 71%).

Meanwhile, just 68% of people aged 65 or older confessed to one of the mini offences, compared to 83% of 18-24s.

But, YouGov pointed out, it may just be that older people are less likely to admit to their crimes.

Who knows, perhaps we'll become better behaved with age. Or perhaps just better at lying.