Extent of Heritage and Cultural Property Crime in England Revealed

Saturday, March 16, 2024
Extent of Heritage and Cultural Property Crime in England Revealed

Historic England and National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), members of ARCH (Alliance to Reduce Crime Against Heritage), have released research findings on the scale and extent of heritage and cultural property crime in England.

The 'Heritage and Cultural Property Crime' research 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.

The assessment has identified the diverse range of active and emerging threats to the historic environment, including the 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, and has led to recommendations for more effective prevention and active enforcement of heritage crime.

Key findings of the research :

Other threats identified in the report include:

  • Cost of living crisis. The theft of valuable heritage materials and cultural objects by opportunist offenders and organised crime groups is likely to increase as inflation continues to impact the price of commodities
  • Anti-social behaviour. Arson, vandalism and graffiti continue to pose a significant threat to the owners and managers of England’s nationally important historic buildings and archaeological sites. Initiatives such as the ‘Heritage Watch’ programme and the work of the National Fire Chiefs’ Council and the National Rural Crime Network are having an impact
  • Protected wreck sites. Last autumn, Historic England working with MSDS Marine and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) and partners announced an innovative forensic marking system to protect some of England’s 57 most historic and archaeologically important wreck sites. These include the Dutch warship Klein Hollandia. This new technology should act as a deterrent to those seeking to steal historic artefacts such as cannon from the seabed
  • Cyber-enabled crime. The use of the internet has grown, and it is likely that stolen items will continue to be sold online where offenders can (often anonymously) make a profit. It is also likely that a higher number of fakes will enter the market as scams and fraudulent activity online rises

Main Image :Essex Police Heritage Crime Officers on patrol.© Essex Police.

Stephanie Cime

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Anna Melnykova, "Palace of Labor (palats praci), architector I. Pretro, 1916", shot with analog Canon camera, 35 mm Fuji film in March 2022.

Anna Melnykova, "Palace of Labor (palats praci), architector I. Pretro, 1916", shot with analog Canon camera, 35 mm Fuji film in March 2022.

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