Theft and Vandalism on the Rise at Historic Sites Across the UK
From York stone gouged from a 200-year-old bridge to graffiti sprayed on a medieval chapel, there has been a concerning increase in theft and vandalism at the nation’s most cherished historic sites. The cost of living crisis is expected to only worsen the problem, according to a major new report set to be published by Historic England and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
The report highlights the theft of valuable heritage materials and cultural objects by both opportunistic offenders and organized crime groups. As inflation continues to impact the price of commodities, the theft of historic stone from heritage sites has risen by 9% in 2022. Thieves are targeting popular building materials like York stone, stripping slabs from walls and paving of historic sites.
Offenders have been known to be highly organized, disguising themselves as workers with hi-vis jackets. They often use stolen vehicles and tools to remove the valuable stone, with the demand for York stone expected to continue driving these crimes.
Recent cases include thieves stealing York stone from churches in Cheshire and Lancashire, causing significant damage to the sites. In one instance, up to 90 York stone slabs were stolen from St Mary’s Church in Astbury, Congleton, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of the perpetrators.
The report calls for better recording and analysis of heritage crimes by police forces to combat the issue effectively. Mark Harrison, head of heritage crime strategy at Historic England, emphasized the importance of protecting these sites, stating that they belong to all of us and should not be allowed to be damaged or stolen.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, expressed his concern over the impact of heritage crime, noting that the cost of replacing stolen materials far outweighs the value of the crime to the criminals. The report identifies a range of threats, including thefts of historic lead and antisocial behavior.
With initiatives like the Heritage Watch program in place, local communities are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity at historic sites. The research, funded by Historic England on behalf of the Alliance to Reduce Crime Against Heritage (ARCH), aims to develop new tactics and technologies to combat heritage crime and protect the nation’s collective past.