Heritage Watch is a scheme which aims to protect the county’s thousands of historical sites, monuments and artefacts from heritage crime. It is run by Hertfordshire Constabulary who are looking for local people to join the scheme.
Heritage crime is any offence which harms heritage assets. It can include architectural theft, anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, unauthorised excavation and metal detecting, damage caused by vehicles, metal theft or theft of historical and cultural property.
Through heritage Watch, Herts Constabulary wants to improve communication between people who live near these sites and the police.
Chief Constable, Andy Bliss says “People who live close to historical sites and those who have an interest in our local history tend to frequent the county’s heritage sites more often and are more likely to notice anything suspicious.
“Through joining up, we hope the public will become the ‘eyes and ears’ of these precious sites and report anything suspicious to us.”
Mark Harrison, National Policing and Crime Adviser at English Heritage, adds “We hope that local communities across Hertfordshire will come together to form Heritage Watch networks, that will make a real difference and will help us to protect and preserve our wonderful heritage for this and for future generations.”
You can sign up to become a member at www.herts.police.uk/HeritageWatch