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Safeguarding our heritage for generations to come
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Scroll through our picture gallery to see the work our rural engagement officers have been doing recently to raise awareness of anti-social behaviour at historical sites, what heritage crime is and how to report it to us.
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Rural engagement officers patrol through Waltham Abbey Gardens, engaging with members of the public enjoying the sunshine and helping to deter anti-social behaviour, including street drinking -
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At St Peter’s-on-the-Wall, Bradwell, one of the oldest surviving churches in England, dating back to the 7th Century, rural engagement officers shared its rich history with visitors and raised awareness about heritage crime -
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At Saffron Walden Museum, a rural engagement officer and a police community support officer from Uttlesford Neighbourhood Policing Team met with the curator to discuss the safeguarding of their exhibits -
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Rural engagement officers patrolled Southchurch Park and Priory Park in Southend, engaged with the public, gathered valuable intelligence, and raised awareness about the importance of protecting our heritage sites -
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Rural engagement officers patrolled Clacton’s seafront, visiting the historic Martello towers designated as Scheduled Monuments due to their national significance. They also stopped off at Naze Tower, a grade 2* building -
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In Colchester, rural engagement officers visited Castle Park and met with the head park ranger to share crime prevention advice and highlight the importance of reporting incidents at heritage locations -
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Hadleigh Castle, dating back to the 13th century, is a key part of Essex’s history. By working with local people and visitors, we can help protect such sites for future generations -
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At Rayleigh Mount, once a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, rural engagement officers spoke with visitors, shared crime prevention advice and encouraged people to report anything suspicious -
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At the Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey, rural engagement officers addressed concerns about nuisance off-road biking which poses serious risks to riders and the public and threatens the integrity of the site, a protected Scheduled Monument
Heritage crime covers a multitude of sins – it’s any unlawful activity which harms the value of our historic or cultural assets.
Threats are many and varied, from the theft of historic artefacts, illegal metal-detecting and stone or metal theft to off-road biking, graffiti and fly-tipping.
While thefts in Essex are rare, sadly, anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and arson at historical sites are more common.
And with more than 14,000 listed buildings, monuments or other heritage assets in our county it’s a not insignificant task to keep them safe from harm.
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Heritage sites are quite often in rural areas and officers on our Rural Engagement Team, plus others across our force, have worked with Historic England to better understand the issues and how to apply relevant legislation.
Rural engagement officers also regularly patrol historical sites to raise awareness of anti-social behaviour at historical sites, what heritage crime is and how to report it to us.
Sergeant Paul Brady says:
“When our heritage is stolen, damaged or destroyed it is a loss to our shared story and can change our understanding of the past. Everyone loses out.
“So we want people to be aware of how their actions, however innocent, may permanently damage our history.
“Heritage assets are more than just historic buildings. They also include conservation areas, parks, gardens, battlefields and marine wrecks.
“Some extremely important archaeological sites such as Iron Age hill forts or even Norman motte and bailey castles may now simply appear to be grassy hillocks but off-road bikes or even an impromptu barbecue can cause a lot of damage which can never be repaired or replaced.
“We ask everyone who enjoys our countryside and historic buildings to be more aware of your surroundings.
“Many of our scheduled monuments are on private land so, unless you have permission from the landowner, you shouldn’t be on them anyway.
“Elsewhere, there are often signs providing information about the site and its history which should be a clear indicator to visitors to take care not to cause damage.”
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Essex Police runs two schemes which involve the public in helping us to preserve our history for future generations.
The first is Heritage Watch, aimed primarily at owners and custodians but also for people who live near historical sites or who are interested in our county’s rich history and culture.
Paul says:
“We want anyone who notices damage or suspicious activity at heritage sites to report it to us and we will investigate. Additionally, Heritage Watch provides information to its members about relevant crimes and unlawful activity which enables them to take action and gives them a valuable heads-up to keep an eye out.”
Members of Essex Horse Rider Volunteer Scheme also provide us with valuable information, says Paul.
“Horse riders can see over hedges and walls and often go where our patrols cannot. They are also a regular presence on our rural lanes and bridle paths so they are very well placed to notice changes or suspicious activity.
“The Rural Engagement Team reviews suspected heritage crimes reported to us to identify opportunities for prevention. We’ll work with owners, partner agencies and community groups to design out the problem from happening again. And we will target dedicated patrols and enforcement at hotspot locations.
“So please, tell us what you know. You can report information about any crime or anti-social behaviour to us online or you can ring 101.”
Heritage Watch
Heritage Watch aims to help fight crime and anti-social behaviour at our county’s heritage sites by improving communication between people who live near or work at historical sites, those who take a keen interest in the county’s heritage and the police.
Find out more on our Essex Watch page, where you can also sign up to become a member.