More than seven thousand people have been sent to prison following a conviction. 

Ministry of Justice data shows the proportion of convicted charges leading to prison sentences has reached an all-time high at 27%. 

People convicted of robbery, sexual offences, and homicides have the highest imprisonment rates. 

Criminal defence lawyer Steve Cullen told Mike Hosking it's worrying to see such a large number of people involved in illegal activity. 

He says it could be due to a wave of young people coming through, social media, or gang and drug influences. 

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