Four arrested on suspicion of metal detecting at ancient monument in Suffolk
The four were discovered at a site in Mid Suffolk on Wednesday night
Four men have been arrested after being found with metal detectors at a scheduled ancient monument in Mid Suffolk.
The four men, aged 23, 24, 25 and 37 were spotted at 10:15pm on Wednesday (October 12) and were arrested on suspicion of using a metal detector on a site scheduled as an ancient monument.
The group were found to have several items police believe were taken from the site, meaning the men are also being questioned on suspicion of removing an item of historical interest from an ancient monument.
Metal detecting on protected historical sites is illegal without prior permission from the government.
Sergeant Brian Calver of Suffolk Constabulary said: “We take heritage crime incredibly seriously. Those responsible are stealing our heritage, our historical knowledge and once it is gone it is often gone forever.
“So please, if you do see anything or suspect anything is taking place, please report it to us straight away.
“If you see a crime in progress please call 999 so we can attend as soon as possible.
“If you know your land is being targeted by night hawkers, do let us know, so we can proactively target this criminality.”