In March 2024 the results of research looking at the scale and extent of heritage and cultural property crime in England was released. This has been compiled by Historic England and National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), members of ARCH (Alliance to Reduce Crime Against Heritage).

The ‘Heritage and Cultural Property Crime’ report was funded by Historic England and carried out by crime analysts at Opal (the National Crime Intelligence Unit for Serious Organised Acquisitive Crime) between February 2020 and February 2023. This work has identified the diverse range of active and emerging threats to the historic environment. These include:

• theft of historic lead and stone
• high value burglaries targeting cultural objects
• unlawful metal detecting (also known as nighthawking)
• and the removal of artefacts from the nation’s protected wreck sites.

The research also highlights the problem of antisocial behaviour, particularly arson, vandalism and graffiti. These are particular problems for Industrial Heritage sites. The research also has recommendations for more effective prevention and active enforcement of heritage crime, such as joining the Heritage Watch scheme – see here: http://heritagewatch.co.uk/

To read the full research results fallow this link:

https://historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/news/heritage-crime-research-findings-revealed/