Crackdown on history raiders

Heritage chiefs will this week launch a national crackdown on thieves and vandals targeting Britain's national treasures.

Growing numbers of attacks are being recorded on heritage sites ranging from the vandalism of prehistoric burial mounds to thefts from churches. Experts warn that it is resulting in the disappearance of priceless historical artefacts as well as multimillion-pound repair bills.

More than 40 organisations in Britain, including the National Trust, National Parks, British Waterways and other heritage bodies, have joined with police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in a bid to curb the mounting threat.

A national database of crimes is being developed to identify trends and hotspots. Magistrates will be encouraged to treat heritage crime more seriously.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), the CPS and other groups will sign an agreement to give tackling heritage crimes greater priority.

Buildings and sites of historic interest in Britain have been legally protected since 1882. Initially, only the most important, ancient sites were protected, such as Stonehenge and some castles, but now 20,000 historic sites are given the highest levels of protection, and about 500,000 listed buildings across England.

However, heritage experts argue that efforts to combat theft and vandalism are being undermined by a lack of good crime data and a tendency for heritage crimes to be under-reported or not taken seriously enough.

Illegal metal detecting, known as "nighthawking", is a major problem. A 2009 survey found more than one-third of sites attacked by nighthawkers between 1995 and 2008 were from nationally important sites that are, in theory, legally protected.

Despite more than 200 sites being attacked, subsequent investigation resulted in only 26 cases ending in legal action.

Churches, many of which are listed buildings, are particularly vulnerable. Scores of church roofs have been targeted by lead thieves, some repeatedly. In 2003, Ecclesiastical Insurance, which covers the majority of Anglican churches, paid only 10 claims, at a cost of £20,000 ($42,000).

Figures have since soared. A spokesman from the company said: "Metal theft is the most serious crime epidemic churches have ever faced. Over the past three years, we've paid over £20 million in claims."

The campaign has been developed by Mark Harrison, a chief inspector from Kent Constabulary who has been seconded to English Heritage as a policing adviser.

"We are encouraging local people to become special constables, which means they are warranted and trained, and working closely with Acpo. We've also got lots of stewardship and guardian schemes right across the country where people are being trained to assess sites for vulnerability."

- INDEPENDENT