WEST Mercia Police has reinforced its commitment to tackling heritage crime, including metal and rural thefts, at a recent event at Harvington Hall.
The event, attended by Chief Constable Pippa Mills, highlighted the use of SmartWater to help prevent metal thefts, and showcased some of the tactics utilised by the We Don’t Buy Crime team to prevent rural thefts, such as agricultural and plant machinery thefts.
During the event, CC Mills discussed the force’s efforts with Lord Faulkner, who also attended, and identified the link between heritage crime and organised crime.
She said: “We have some vast and beautiful rural areas across the counties covered by West Mercia Police, many home to iconic heritage sites and it is vital we protect these.
“Understandably, rural crime has a huge impact on our local communities and I’m pleased with the work that goes on by teams right across the force.
“However, of course, there is always more we can do.”
The event was led by Wyre Forest Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector David King with support from the We Don’t Buy Crime.
Heritage England recently extended funding for the National Police Cadets “Solve It” initiative.
The initiative gives Volunteer Police Cadet schemes the opportunity to propose projects in response to a Heritage Challenge, giving the opportunity for young volunteers to be directly involved in looking after their historic environment.
Heritage crime is any offence which harms the value of heritage assets and their settings, such as theft, criminal damage, arson and anti-social behaviour.
