Should it be illegal to leave a child home alone under 12 years old?

A YouGov poll of parents found that two thirds want the government to set a minimum age limit to leave children home alone.

Most say that the current situation, in which families judge for themselves when it is safe to leave a child, is inadequate.

Should leaving a child under 12 at home should be made a criminal offence?  What is your experience and what are your views?