Norfolk 'nighthawkers' face illegal metal detecting clampdown

Nighthawkers are "robbing" the public of its heritage

Police in Norfolk have been told to "pay extra attention" to illegal metal detecting as part of routine patrols.

The move follows the arrest of two men in Thetford, Norfolk, on suspicion of going equipped to steal.

Andrew Rogerson, a senior archaeologist with Norfolk County Council, said the illegal detecting, or nighthawking, was a "big problem".

A Norfolk Police spokesman said officers were being reminded of the issue in daily briefings.

"Nighthawking is a big problem in Norfolk and has been for many years, but very few people are caught," said Mr Rogerson.

"If you don't know something is there to start with, of course you don't know when it's gone - but this crime, selfishly removing things without record, is robbing the public of their heritage.

"There are hotspots at the better known, usually Roman, sites as it's often much easier to find something quickly.

"But increasingly people they are going to sites on spec.

"It's clearly welcome news that Norfolk Police are taking this action and we would happily help them in any way that we can - but it will need additional investment from police resources."

A Norfolk Police spokesperson said that following the arrests in Thetford, the issue of nighthawking was now "included in officers' daily briefings as something they should pay extra attention to as part of their general patrols of rural areas".