New efforts to prevent heritage crime in Warwickshire
New specialist training aims to strengthen efforts to protect the county’s historic sites from crime
Two Rural Crime Advisors working across South Warwickshire have completed specialist training aimed at improving awareness of heritage crime and helping protect the county’s historic environment.
Alison Packer and Rebecca Jenkins were presented with certificates by Warwickshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe after successfully completing Historic England’s Heritage Crime Awareness Course.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: "Warwickshire's historic buildings, monuments and landscapes form an important part of our county's identity. They tell the story of our communities and help make Warwickshire the place it is today.
"When heritage assets are damaged or targeted by criminal activity, the impact can be lasting and, in some cases, irreversible."
The advisors are jointly funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire and Stratford-on-Avon District Council. They work alongside Warwickshire Police, local communities and partner organisations to prevent crime, support victims and raise awareness of issues affecting rural areas.
Members of Warwickshire Police’s Rural Crime Team have also completed the training, helping to build knowledge of heritage crime across the county.
Heritage crime covers a range of offences that can damage historic buildings, monuments, archaeological sites and landscapes. These include theft, vandalism, criminal damage and unauthorised metal detecting.
Mark Harrison, Head of Heritage Crime at Historic England, said: "Heritage crime can have a lasting impact on the historic places that matter to local people.
"The Historic England Heritage Crime training programme will help strengthen local efforts to safeguard South Warwickshire's historic environment."