According to research, thousands of the UK’s listed buildings are being damaged by criminal behaviour, with metal theft the most common crime [19 March 2012].
The research, conducted by Loughborough University, Newcastle University and the Council for British Archaeology, showed that up to 70,000 sites may have been affected by crime in 2011.
Dr Simon Hurley, English Heritage’s Chief Executive spoke of the irreparable damage being done to the sites.
He said: “Whilst heritage is not necessarily being targeted over other places, save perhaps for their valuable materials and artefacts, they are suffering a substantial rate of attrition from crime nonetheless.”
“Their particular vulnerability warrants every effort to ensure they are still around for future generations to enjoy just as much as we enjoy them now.”
‘Heritage crime not victimless’
The survey, which showed that churches are likely to be most at risk
from metal theft, involved 609 site owners and was undertaken during
October and November last year.
Richard Crompton, Chief Constable of Lincolnshire and the Association of Chief Police Officers national lead for heritage crimes, said: “Across the police there is a growing recognition that heritage crime is not
victimless.”
John Penrose, the Heritage Minister said: “When historic buildings and sites fall victim to vandalism, damage and theft, it’s not just the owner who suffers. Very often the thing that’s been stolen or damaged is literally irreplaceable, and the whole community is the loser.”
Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is taking action against metal thieves and scrap metal dealers trading in stolen metal with the recent launch of campaigns in the North East and East Midlands.
We urge anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on our 24/7 phone number 0800 555 111 or through our anonymous online giving information form.
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