Heritage thefts rise say history guardians

THEFTS of historic stone as well as cultural objects from museums, art galleries and stately homes are on the rise, according to a new report.

Stone thefts rose by nine per cent in 2022, with reports of offenders disguising themselves by wearing high-vis jackets and stealing York stone slabs from the grounds of historic properties and church paths.

Particular targets are walls and paving slabs in Yorkshire and Cheshire, as well as granite cattle troughs and fountains from Kent and London.

Also at risk are cultural objects such as artwork and antiques, which have been stolen from galleries, museums and stately homes.

The report by Historic England and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said organised crime gangs plot burglaries from the sites, with cultural property worth £3.2m stolen in 2021/22.

Anti-social behaviour including arson, vandalism and graffiti is also said to be a significant threat.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “Heritage and cultural property crime robs us of our collective history.

“This research marks the next stage in our commitment to tackle such crime.”

He said more effective crime recording across the UK would help to understand trends better and to tackle serious organised crime.

Vernon Rapley, director of security at the Victoria and Albert Museum, said: “In the face of the many risks highlighted in this report, we must act quickly and decisively to safeguard our museums, galleries and heritage sites.”

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan, NPCC lead for heritage crime, said: “We are committed to tackling this issue and our heritage crime officers across the country will continue to work with Historic England and other partners to reduce offending and educate the wider public.”