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Its important to report any possible incidents to us as soon as possible. It can be difficult to know what is or isn’t heritage crime and when its right to involve the Police. We have included some information below to help identify heritage crime and how best to report it.
Remember that if a crime is happening now or there is immediate danger, contact 999 now.
If you have witnessed a heritage crime or have knowledge of an incident that may happen soon, you can report using the online crime reporting form.
Alternatively, you can contact us on 101.
You can also access the Historic England website and “search the list” to see if there is a heritage site at the location.
Heritage crime is any offence which harms the heritage assets and their settings. This covers a wide range of criminal activity which can lead to the damage of assets of historical interest and can lead to the loss of our heritage for ever.
Within Dorset we have thousands of heritage and cultural sites across the county, our heritage is made more unique due to the vast stretch of coastline and maritime areas. Unfortunately, heritage crime tends to unreported.
Dorset is home to 10,738 listed buildings, scheduled monuments, world heritage sites, protected wrecks, religious buildings and registered parks and gardens according to Historic England.
Many of these assets are protected by specific heritage legislation that prevents harm caused by damage or unlicensed alteration. This means that any person found guilty of committing offences against the county’s heritage may face considerable sentencing and or/fines and stronger penalties.
Repairing the damage caused by criminal activity to heritage and faith assets is expensive and the cost to communities can be enormous. Metal theft from ancient monuments leads to repair bills of hundreds and thousands of pounds, not to mention the loss of historical artefacts which current and future generations will no longer be able to enjoy.
Investigate reports of heritage crimes, gather evidence, and prosecute those identified of having committed offences.
Liaise with Historic England to receive up to date news and intelligence surrounding heritage crime offences occurring in Dorset.
Develop a heritage watch scheme to increase awareness within the community so members of the public can become the eyes and ears of these precious sites and artefacts and to report any criminal or suspicious activity.
Dorset Police are keen to protect these sites for everyone to enjoy for years to come.