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Wales has many archaeological sites including remains like burial chambers, remains of buildings, walls, earthworks, remains which date from the prehistoric period to the 20th century.

Some are buried, like ditches, or enclosures, fragile prehistoric remains, environmental evidence contained in peat for example, and not visible above ground.

Some of these are Scheduled Monuments because of their national importance, these form around 10% of the known archaeology in the Historic Environment Record.  

People come from far and wide to visit these features, but unfortunately there are those that do not respect them.  

Since the launch of Operation Heritage Cymru in 2022, Welsh Police forces have been working alongside Cadw, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, National Parks, National Trust, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, archaeological trusts and volunteers to raise awareness and prevention of Heritage Crime. 

Some examples of Heritage Crime include:

  • Theft

  • Removing or rearranging archaeological material

  • Destroying archaeological material 

  • Arson and starting fires 

  • Illegal metal detecting 

  • Illegal off-roading 

  • Vandalism and graffiti 

  • Unauthorised works on designated historic sites 

  • Disturbing burial sites

  • Criminal damage 

  • Unauthorised drone flying near monuments

If you think the property is a listed building, contact your Local Authority Conservation department to ensure it is aware of any damage that has been caused to the asset.

If you think the property is a scheduled monument, contact Cadw to ensure it is aware of any damage that has been caused to the asset. 

Be prepared to provide a witness statement to the police as part of any formal police action as a result of the incident. 

How to report heritage crime