Heritage And Cultural Property Crime
Heritage And Cultural Property Crime
Heritage and cultural property crime affects some of the UK’s most important historic buildings, monuments, places of worship, archaeological sites and cultural collections.
It includes any criminal activity that damages, removes, steals or threatens heritage assets and cultural property, reducing their value for current and future generations. This can range from metal theft and vandalism to unlawful excavations, theft of historic materials, graffiti and criminal damage.
These offences can have a lasting impact, not only on individual sites and organisations but also on local communities and the wider historic environment. In many cases, irreplaceable heritage assets can be permanently damaged or lost.
While heritage crime has existed for many years, it remains a significant challenge. As criminal methods evolve and pressure on heritage assets increases, organisations must continue to take proactive steps to protect and preserve the UK’s historic environment.
The scale of the problem
Recent research by Historic England and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) found that heritage and cultural property crime continues to pose a significant threat to England’s historic environment. The research identified a range of ongoing and emerging risks, including:
- Theft of historic lead and stone from heritage assets.
- High-value burglaries targeting cultural objects, artwork and antiques.
- Unlawful metal detecting (nighthawking) and the removal of archaeological artefacts.
- Theft from protected historic wreck sites.
- Anti-social behaviour including arson, vandalism and graffiti.
The report found that theft of historic stone is increasing in some parts of England, while offences involving stolen cultural property remain a growing concern. It is estimated that more than £3.2 million worth of cultural property was stolen during 2021/22 alone.
Research also found that metal theft from historic places of worship increased during the Covid-19 lockdown period, although preventative measures and enforcement activity have since contributed to a steady decline.
Source: Extent of Heritage and Cultural Property Crime in England Revealed | Historic England
Crime and anti-social behaviours
The most prevalent categories of crime and anti-social behaviour include:
- Architectural theft – in particular the theft of metal and stone (churches etc)
- Criminal damage – vandalism, graffiti and in particular damage caused by fire
- Unlawful metal detecting (‘nighthawking’)
- Unlawful disturbance and salvage of historic maritime sites
- Anti-social behaviour – in particular fly-tipping and off-road driving/riding
- Unauthorised works to a listed building or scheduled monument
- Illicit trade in cultural objects.
How can Tiaa help?
Tiaa are a specialist security consultancy who understand the key issues affecting the prevention and enforcement of offences in relation to crimes and anti-social behaviour committed against heritage assets and cultural property. In addition we have a proven track record of undertaking security assessments and providing advice across the public and private sectors.
Tiaa’s team consists of former Police officers, security consultants and professional archaeologists, who are uniquely placed to provide advice and support to assist you in tackling heritage and cultural property crime in the United Kingdom.
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