North Wales Police: Heritage crime awareness spotlighted during campaign week

North Wales Police Rural Crime Team is using Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week to highlight the growing issue of heritage crime, urging residents and visitors to help protect historic sites and assets across the region.

Heritage crimes include theft, vandalism, anti-social behaviour, and activities like illegal metal detecting—known as “nighthawking”—or off-roading on protected land.

These incidents can have a profound impact on local communities, erasing irreplaceable links to the past.

In 2022, Wales’ four police forces launched Operation Heritage Cymru, the UK’s first initiative focused on tackling heritage crime.

The program collaborates with organisations like CADW, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, the National Trust, and local archaeological trusts to safeguard the nation’s cultural heritage.

PC Amy Bennett from North Wales Police said:

“Heritage crime harms historic assets and sites, including buildings, monuments, parks, and landscapes. It may seem like small crimes to those involved, but it is not. Anything taken or damaged is irreplaceable—once they are gone, they are lost forever.”

She emphasised the importance of public support:

“To tackle these incidents, we work closely with partners across the heritage sector. We encourage the public to support us by being our eyes and ears and report crimes when they occur.”

Operation Heritage Cymru aims to educate communities and visitors about the significance of historic landmarks while preventing crime through collaboration and vigilance.

If you witness heritage crimes, North Wales Police urges you to report them promptly to help preserve the region’s cultural treasures for future generations.