Vandals damage Roman remains
VANDALS have repeatedly caused damage to one of Wales’ most famous archaeological landmarks.
Police are investigating three separate reports of criminal damage at the Roman ruins in Caerleon since the start of lockdown.
The ancient remains at Caerleon, which include an amphitheatre, fortress baths and Roman legionary barracks, have been closed to the public during the coronavirus pandemic.
Wales’ historic environment service, Cadw, said vandals had made their way on to the site regardless.
Officers said in all three incidents, preserved stones had been dislodged and moved from the protected remains which form part of the monument.
A spokesman for Gwent Police said: “The first of these incidents was reported to Gwent Police on Monday, April 27, although the incident is believed to have occurred between Monday, March 23, and the reporting date, where damage was caused to the fortress baths on High Street.
“Two further incidents were reported on Saturday, May 2, at around 12.30pm and on Monday, May 11.
“The incident reported on May 11 is believed to have occurred between Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.
“In all of these incidents, stones have been dislodged and moved from the protected remains that form part of the scheduled ancient monument.
“Gwent Police is currently working alongside Cadw, who operate the Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon, and heritage watch signs have been supplied to the museum in a bid to raise awareness of heritage crime and to deter further similar acts.”
A Cadw spokesman said: “All Cadw monuments and car parks will remain closed until further notice.
“In Caerleon we have a number of monuments and archaeological sites of immense significance which attract visitors from across the world.
“These monuments cannot be replaced and it is our duty to ensure they are protected.
“Any deliberate damage to historic sites is a crime and we are working with Gwent Police to investigate.”
Gwent Police said it has increased patrols of the area.
Officers are appealing for any witnesses or individuals who may have CCTV footage, dashcam footage or information relating to these incidents to contact Gwent Police on 101, quoting references April 27 – 2000144357; May 2 – 2000150103; May 11 – 2000162045.