Appeal for information after illegal metal detecting took place near Winchcombe

Officers are appealing for information after illegal metal detecting took place near Winchcombe.

It was reported that unknown offenders had used a spade to dig eight holes into the ground in an attempt to steal items from a scheduled monument at the grounds of Hailes Abbey which is under the guardianship of English Heritage.

The site is protected by law and therefore metal detecting of this nature, commonly known as nighthawking, is illegal.

The term nighthawking refers to the illegal searching and removal of artefacts using metal detectors by people who don't have permission to be on the land.

It is believed that the offence took place at some point between Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 August.

Investigating officers are asking anyone with information on those responsible to make contact.

Information can provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 386 of 22 August: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

If you are aware of a recent crime that's happened which affects a heritage site you can report it to police by calling 101 and saying the phrase "Operation Minster".

More information on the Force’s Heritage Watch Scheme can be found here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/police-forces/gloucestershire-constabulary/areas/gloucestershire/about-us/about-us/reporting-a-rural-wildlife-heritage-crime/heritage-watch/