New figures show that police in Devon and Cornwall took DNA samples from nineteen children every week in 2011.
More than a thousand under-17s had the samples taken from them that year - and a small number of them were primary school age.
The statistics have been compiled by the Howard League for Penal Reform who campaign for fewer people in prison and a more effective criminal justice system.
The numbers of young people tested have fallen by more than 300 on the previous year .. but the charity say it's still a waste of money and resources.
Hundreds sign petition calling for village zebra crossing
Car parking fees to go up on Dartmoor
Tens of millions to be invested in Devon's buses
Fawlty Towers: The Play - REVIEW
Lib Dems hold Exmouth seat in by-election
