Heritage Watch is the newest Community Watch Scheme to be launched in the UK and is run by, and for, members of the community who are passionate about protecting and reducing crime that occurs around our country’s historical buildings and places.

Fully supported by the Police, the initiative has been launched by Historic England and for the first time tackles the growing issue of heritage crime committed at such places as archaeological sites, ancient monuments, burial grounds, shipwrecks, churches, castles, stately homes and other historical buildings.

Its core aim is to encourage more people to be more vigilant about the different aspects of heritage crime which include anti-social behaviour, the theft of assets including metal and stone, arson and unlawful excavation and metal detecting.

Here in Devon and Cornwall

Here in the South West, Heritage Watch falls under the remit of the Devon and Cornwall Community Watch Association and is supported by a number of agencies including the Police, Fire and local councils.

As an area rich in history, we all need to be more aware of the crimes that are committed which impact and affect our heritage assets. Whether it’s reporting criminals removing slate from church roofs and illegal metal-detecting, we equally sadly see far too much anti-social behaviour on our Moors in the form of off-roading and fly-tipping as well as thefts from the many registered shipwrecks around our shores.

Benefits of joining

• You will receive stickers and signs to display on your property.
• You will have access to Devon and Cornwall Alert (early information regarding crimes or suspicious behaviour) as well as to your local policing team.
• You will receive advice on how to report suspicious activity.

How to join

It’s free to join Heritage Watch. All you need to do is:

1. Register your details with Devon and Cornwall Alert
2. Contact DaCCWA for more details by using the Enquiry Form