How we’re protecting Essex’s heritage sites from crime and ASB

Essex’s castles, cathedrals, parks and stately homes attract thousands of visitors a year but unfortunately their accessibility and secluded locations can make them targets for criminals or people behaving anti-socially.

Preserving these sites helps us understand the historic significance of our county and learn about the lives of those who lived here before us.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan is the national lead for heritage crime, and she says it is “essential” to protect Essex’s “priceless and irreplaceable cultural assets”.

Crime and anti-social behaviour at heritage sites can take many forms, from vandalism and the theft of artefacts from churches through to hare coursing and illegal metal detecting.

People have even been known to dig trenches at historic sites in the hope of finding valuable items dating back centuries.

In Essex, we have a dedicated heritage crime officer, PC Jed Raven of our Rural Engagement Team, who patrols at these landmarks and investigates any offending.

Castle Park in Colchester and Southchurch Hall Gardens in Southend are two of his patrolling hotspots, with a regular police presence helping to deal with issues including drug taking, drinking, graffiti, and arson.

ACC Nolan says the force take heritage crime and ASB seriously and that offenders will be tracked down and made to pay for their actions:

“In Essex, we’ve very fortunate to have exceptional sites of historic interest right across the county. Anti-social behaviour and illegal activity spoil them for all of us, and in some cases cause thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.

“As the national lead for heritage crime, I know how essential it is to protect these priceless and irreplaceable cultural assets so they can be enjoyed by future generations.

“Many of these locations are rural and are targeted by those wanting to drive off-road, go hare coursing or metal detect illegally. This is totally unacceptable, and we have shown that when people behave anti-socially or break the law, we will take action alongside our partners to prosecute.”

As well as a heritage crime officer and patrols by local community policing teams, ACC Nolan says the force is fortunate to have dedicated members of the public being our eyes and ears thanks to the Essex Horse Rider Volunteer Scheme and Heritage Watch.

 “Preserving these historic sites is essential,” added ACC Nolan. “These are not victimless crimes – every theft or act of vandalism hurts all of us. These places and artefacts are there for everyone to enjoy and cannot be replaced or repaired.

“We take anti-social behaviour and heritage crime seriously and work together with our partners in local authorities, Historic England and the National Trust to reduce it.

“If you spot suspicious activity or people doing something they shouldn’t, please report it. You can call us on 101 or contact us via our website.”

Did you know we have a few different ways you can contact us?

If you would like to report a non-emergency crime, antisocial behaviour, or give us information, you can report online or by use our Live Chat service.

To find out more about our different reporting services, 999 BSL and much more visit our Help Us Help You page.