Rogue detectorists mustn’t slip under the radar
SIR – Police have been accused of “wasting resources” by pursuing an “unauthorised” detectorist (report, January 12).
However, those who think detecting is a trivial matter are mistaken. Detecting is not allowed anywhere without the landowner’s consent – and, in the case of a scheduled ancient monument, consent from the Culture Secretary.
On one site in Suffolk, more than 55 thieves have been caught and prosecuted. Meanwhile, a police officer has been seconded to English Heritage in an attempt to mitigate the damage being done by people whose sole motivation is money.
There are many responsible detectorists, but every effort must be made to prevent looting by the greedy and unscrupulous.
John Browning
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk