HERITAGE CRIME

HERITAGE CRIME 

Dorset police recently received a report of a suspected heritage  crime in the Sherborne area.    Dorset with its  history and rich archaeological background can be a very tempting target for persons committing illegal digs, metal detecting or damage of these sites.   

        Theft and damage can set back investigations into our past and indeed destroy evidence of those who went before us which can never be recovered. 

What is heritage crime?

Heritage crime is any offence which harms the value of heritage assets and their settings.

Some heritage assets are protected by specific legislation to prevent harm caused by damage or unlicensed alteration.

However, other crimes such as theft, criminal damage, arson and anti-social behaviour offences can also damage and harm heritage assets, and interfere with the public's enjoyment and knowledge of their heritage.

Heritage assets are sites which are considered to have a value to the heritage of Dorset and England and include:

What can YOU do? 

    If you see someone acting suspiciously on historical or heritage sites, churches or other known protected areas then please consider reporting it to Dorset Police. They may be acting under licence or with permission. Normally the time of day or their behaviour will help you decide if ‘somethings not right!’.    Try and record vehicles and equipment and report the matter to the Landowner.  Dorset Police can then work with the other parties and if found to be illegal consider taking further action.   This could include putting them before a Court, seizure of equipment and banning from sites.  But please don't put yourself at any risk. 

    If committing damage which is obviously illegal please consider dialling '999.  

Help us to protect all our heritage!   Thanks