Volunteers wanted for heritage crime watch scheme

Bill Matthews signed up as a volunteer two years ago

More volunteers are wanted for a scheme to protect historic buildings from crime.

West Mercia Police has asked members of its Heritage Watch team to visit historical sites, monuments, and artefacts to give out advice and keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour.

It has volunteers in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Bill Matthews, in north Worcestershire, joined the team two years ago, and said: "Everyone seems to be very receptive because it's a free service."

He said he had met some "lovely people" through the work, adding: "Quite often you get tea and biscuits as well."

Volunteers are asked to hand out crime prevention advice, get people to sign up to the We Don’t Buy Crime scheme and give out SmartWater packs, which are used to invisibly mark valuable items which might be stolen.

A police spokesperson says the volunteers play an active role in reducing crime and disorder issues that impact heritage sites.

The volunteers are asked to hand out leaflets and SmartWater packs