February’s Heritage Chat was led by Historic England (tweeting as @HeritageCrime) and discussed all things relating to Heritage Crime. The chat began by defining what heritage crimes are and which are the most common. Conversations then moved to discussing the ways in which stronger community engagement with historic sites and strategic partnerships could be used to reduce rates of heritage crime. Excellent examples were shared of initiatives that are already in place. Discussions towards the end of the chat focused on whether sentencing for heritage crimes is appropriate and whether the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) is used to repay the public heritage debt from the criminal loss of heritage assets. Throughout the chat contributors shared excellent guidance on preventing and reporting heritage crime.
Read a full summary here.
