ABSTRACT
Heritage crime encompasses a wide range of acts that negatively affect the cultural historic environment – acts that break existing laws, but also those which are considered to be harmful, if not illegal. Examples of the former may be arson, theft and criminal damage; examples of the latter may include redevelopment of ancient cities, or the displacement of peoples with associated loss of their cultural heritage, including intangible cultural heritage. Definitions of heritage crime are therefore varied. The focus of this chapter is on damage resulting from an illegal act against physical heritage assets in rural areas. The chapter considers some examples of rural heritage crime internationally and how crime prevention measures may be utilised. It critically assesses some successes and failures of heritage crime prevention, and reflects on what lessons can usefully be drawn from current knowledge. The Head of Heritage Crime Strategy for Historic England provides a practitioner’s perspective, outlining a number of practical initiatives being deployed to prevent heritage crime, and highlighting challenges and future directions for heritage crime prevention.
