Thefts at historic English sites on rise
The warning comes in a report by Historic England and the National Police Chiefs' Council which reveals the scale and extent of the problem - including burglaries, antisocial behaviour, arson, vandalism, graffiti and unlawful metal detecting.
Wednesday 13 March 2024 14:50, UK
Thefts at some of the nation's most cherished historic sites are on the rise.
The warning comes in a report by Historic England and the National Police Chiefs' Council which reveals the scale and extent of the problem.
It cites the theft of York stone - a valuable and popular material for construction, building and landscaping - from sites including a 200-year-old Grade I listed bridge in Ferrybridge over the River Aire in West Yorkshire.
It also points to the theft of lead - which fetches a high price - from churches including the roof of a 14th century Grade II listed church in Plungar, Leicestershire.
The research, carried out over three years from 2020, also highlights the problem of antisocial behaviour, arson, vandalism, graffiti and unlawful metal detecting.
It cites offences relating to the theft of objects from art galleries, museums and stately homes - with artwork and antiques being the most stolen items.
Read more: Artefacts to go on display after being stolen from British Museum
Organised crime groups are believed to be responsible for a number of sophisticated burglaries resulting in significant financial and cultural loss - worth an estimated £3.2m between 2021 and 2022, the report said.
It warns thefts of valuable heritage materials and cultural objects by opportunist offenders and organised crime groups is likely to increase due to the cost of living crisis.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: "Heritage and cultural property crime robs us of our collective history.
"This research marks the next stage in our commitment to tackle such crime.
"More effective crime recording across all police forces in the UK, including a heritage marker to highlight protected sites and cultural property crime, would help us to understand trends better and to tackle serious organised crime and anti-social behaviour."
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Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan, NPCC lead for heritage crime, said: "When metal, stone or other items are stolen from our historic buildings and cultural sites, it impacts the communities who enjoy those spaces.
"We are committed to tackling this issue and our heritage crime officers across the country will continue to work with Historic England and other partners, to reduce offending."
The research was funded by Historic England and carried out by crime analysts at OPAL (the national intelligence Unit for serious organised acquisitive crime).