'New way of reporting' hopes to protect heritage sites in Dorset
Heritage Watch is about connecting the police, local authorities, Historic England and specialist agencies with residents
A new project has been launched by Dorset police for locals to report cases of heritage crime in the county.
It's being done to preserve historic sites from crime and anti-social behaviour.
As part of the newly formed Heritage Watch, the public can now report any crime or anti-social behaviour on or around a heritage site using the new online form on the Dorset Police website.
A 'new way of reporting'
Sergeant Ian Arnold, Heritage Crime Lead for Dorset Police, said: “Dorset is home to over 10,000 listed buildings, scheduled monuments, world heritage sites and protected wrecks that are often thousands of years old.
“This new way of reporting will mean that our communities can get together and help us protect our heritage sites. The public can now report anything suspicious to us by using our new heritage crime online contact form.”
Heritage Watch is one of a number of successful watch schemes in the county, including Neighbourhood Watch and Hotel Watch, where members of the public and relevant organisations provide crucial information to cut crime and identify offenders.
Sergeant Arnold continued: “You can also sign up to Dorset Alert and enable heritage crime notifications to be alerted to any local heritage crimes near you. This will help the Force gather intelligence and bring those who are intent on causing harm to our historical sites to justice.
“Anyone who has witnessed a heritage crime or has information can report it via the Dorset Police website using the online crime reporting form. Anyone who is unsure if the crime has been committed on a historic site can confirm through Historic England’s website.”
'I am delighted that we now have a Heritage Watch'
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: “I am delighted that we now have a Heritage Watch, for those interested in helping preserve Dorset’s wonderful historic sites for future generations.
“Heritage Watch is about connecting the police, local authorities, Historic England and specialist agencies with residents, to identify issues at scheduled landmarks or protected buildings, and drive down incidents of crime.
“Heritage sites are valuable for Dorset’s tourism industry but are also cherished and loved by those who live and work here – so I look forward to see what achievements and successes Heritage Watch will make over the coming months and years.
“Heritage crime is important in my Police and Crime Plan, and we will target it by continuing our strong collaboration with other partners working in this space.”