Operation To Tackle Nighthawkers

[Kev]

16-5-11......................... intresting read.......................
Officers in Horncastle have launched an operation aimed at tackling the growing problem of heritage crime in the Wolds area.

Local farmers are noticing increased activity from metal detector users operating illegally for personal gain. The offenders are accessing fields without the landowners’ permission and causing considerable criminal damage to crops by digging large holes.

Sergeant Ali Booth from Horncastle Police Station said, “This kind of activity is a national problem but, because of the important wealth of Roman and Saxon history in this area, the Wolds are particularly attractive and offenders will come here from far afield to plunder. The damage caused to crops can be considerable which greatly affects our farmers’ livelihoods and the safety of farm workers”.

Adam Daubney is the Finds Liaison Officer at Lincolnshire County Council and he is concerned that the illegal retention of found artefacts is depriving us all of important knowledge.

"Lincolnshire County Council is pleased to support the Police in cracking down on illegal metal detecting or 'nighthawking' in the county". said Adam. "While the majority of metal detector users enjoy their hobby responsibly, there is a minority who search without permission, often under the cover of darkness. This 'nighthawking' can not only damage archaeological sites but robs us all of our history. This is because items found are often sold on rather than being recorded with the relevant body, meaning we don't get a chance to learn from the find".

Earlier this year, Lincolnshire’s Chief Constable, Richard Crompton, was appointed the ACPO lead for heritage crimes which include offences such as architectural and metal theft, criminal damage, illegal metal detecting, graffiti, vehicle nuisance and arson within historic environments.

Officers involved in the ongoing operation will be targeting popular areas through the hours of darkness and checking people and vehicles where appropriate. Both plain and marked Police vehicles will be utilised and the data from on-board automatic number plate recognition systems (ANPR) will be shared with colleagues in other forces to generate an improved national picture of the issue of nighthawking and those involved.

[Pipster]

Interesting read Kev thanks