True, but if you get caught doing that, you often get a fine or a slap on the wrist, you don't usually get a criminal record
I dunno how they roll, UK-Wise, but Melbourne takes it's fare evasion seriously....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaO8Dc--dm0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz5CLl3hpsM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql-zo_VwFPs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSTxfeMTDjk
Other than that - I didn't think much of it when the question was asked of me, because I get asked about my criminal history all the time, and I've had more police checks than I have dental examinations.
now that it is has been brought up, I guess it is kind of odd, and seems like it should more likely be asked of people applying for Knighthood than the general laymanry.