The Development of Heritage Crime Policy and Enforcement Practice in the UK

Crime affecting our Heritage is as old as history itself. However, recognising it as Heritage Crime and having a coherent programme of activity to attempt to understand it and address it is relatively new. This paper summarises the history of these developments in the UK, focusing on the experience in England. It then provides examples of some of the challenges identified and the broad range of criminality that falls under this umbrella. It looks at the partnerships and structures that have been developed to share intelligence and best practice across Heritage interests, law enforcement agencies and local communities. It then explores some of the solutions which have been developed in attempting to better prepare communities and to increase prevention through human and technological applications. A review of the latest data and trends to determine how well this is working is then followed by the conclusion that we have made significant progress but, that the criminals adapt and there is still much more to do

Criminology · Enforcement · Political science · Sociology · Archaeological Research and Protection · Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance · Law · Wildlife Conservation and Criminology Analyses