Pair investigated on suspicion of attempting to loot buried treasure

[Kev]

they deserve to be strung up......................................

Chronicle & Echo, latest news, By John Harrison
Published on Tuesday 27 September 2011 07:10

Pair investigated on suspicion of attempting to loot buried treasure from Northamptonshire Roman town

TWO people are being investigated by police on suspicion of attempting to loot buried treasure from the site of a historic Roman walled town in Northamptonshire.


Police confirmed the two suspects remained on bail on suspicion of illegally using a metal detector, the theft of treasure, damage to the land and other offences at a site of “tremendous historical and archeological importance”. They are believed to have attempted to take Roman coins and other historical artefacts.

Police said ‘several’ alleged crimes were being investigated at Chester House Farm, in Irchester, which is regarded by historians as one of the most important sites of its type in the county. Police are now liaising with experts from English Heritage and a national police expert about pursuing a case, which if prosecuted, could be one of the biggest of its kind in the country.

A meeting has now been scheduled with a national expert following a visit from the British Museum earlier this month.

Meanwhile, two exploratory digs have now been carried out on the land, which is owned by Northamptonshire County Council.

A County Hall spokesman said: “Chester House Farm is a site of tremendous historical and archaeological importance. We have a responsibility to manage the site and ensure any buried remains are preserved. We have recently undertaken two very small-scale exploratory excavations on the area known to have been a Roman walled town.

“As a scheduled ancient monument, approval needed to be given by the secretary of state before any excavation work could take place on site.

“The work was done specifically to answer certain key questions about the buried archaeology and its state of preservation below the soil. This information will help us understand how best to look after it. A full report is now being compiled on the results of the dig, the findings of which will soon be made available to the public.

“We hope there will be further small scale excavations over the coming years and opportunities for public engagement.”

[Tafflaff (Rob)]

Its this tiny minority of morons that give the likes of Paul the vexatious blogger with incredibly itchy underpants , enough anti detectorist ammunition to last several years. And its sites like this forum that should condemn these actions loudly and without any hesitation.

That said it is the very smallest of minorities that carry out these actions , very much the same as Drink Drivers are in a tiny minority - But you wouldnt shout out for an outright  ban of cars because of the few idiots that drink and drive.

[win]

I just hope they get everything the law can throw at them. Absolute t******s.

[nfl]

flamin nighthawks get everywhere,some of my land has been nighthawked that much i dont bother going there anymore,,,its a in house problem thay may well see restrictions placed on the hobby,,i dont participate or condone night hawking but if the media keeps portraying detecting as a  get rich quick pastime { staffs hoard,poulton,etc} then i can see this continuing.i know of several people that nighthawk and im sure some of you do as well,,,its a in house problem.  

[Chef Geoff]

I don't know any Paul And a good job too, I'm afraid I had my heart and soul removed in the Military Police so I would have absolutely no hesitation in turning people in that nighthawk. 

[Val Beechey]

Exactly my thoughts Geoff.
My very first fields contain a Tump. Never been established what it is and it isn't protected but I kept my distance and was disapointed at the low lever of finds. When I obtained permission off the land owner, an elderly gent and his wife, they didn't know what a metal detector was. That was 18 months ago. Some weeks ago, speaking to other locals, I discovered someone had been in there several times, long before me. No wonder I found very little.
If I found out who it was I'd have no hesitation in speaking out.
It's a shame we can't Name and Shame these people. But you know they would suddenly become 'the victims'.

Val