The extent of crime and anti-social behaviour facing designated heritage assets

Abstract

Heritage crime has been defined as any offence which harms the value of England’s heritage assets and their settings to this and future generations. There has been growing concern at the risks of crime and anti-social behaviour faced by designated heritage assets, but the true extent of heritage crime had remained difficult to measure.

This study, commissioned by English Heritage, collated and analysed data on damage from criminal behaviour to heritage assets in England. The report provides a review of the data collection procedures undertaken by the study to identify those that are most effective in building understanding of the scale and nature of heritage crime. The report then tries to answer a series of key questions about heritage crime. Finally there are some conclusions and selective recommendations aimed at improving future understanding of heritage crime.

Further information on English Heritage’s information and advice regarding heritage crime can be found at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/advice/advice-by-topic/heritage-crime/.