UK Media Encouraging "Plunderers"?

"A new television series describing the exploits of metal-detecting Britons has come under fire from archaeologists fearful that it will encourage treasure hunters who can damage ancient sites.

The British Museum has become embroiled in the controversy after opening its archives to the programme-makers and providing expert help.

Diana Friendship-Taylor, the chair of Rescue, otherwise known as the British Archaeological Trust, said: "We are, frankly, astonished, that the British Museum is prepared to lend its considerable weight..."

Read more HERE.

Image Credits: Getty Images

Towton Dig to Put Off UK Hobbyists

"...

The first stage of the dig has secured funding and can now go ahead since the archaeologists made an agreement with the landowners and local authority over protection for the site.

For the first time, the agreement makes it illegal for unauthorised treasure hunters to go on the battlefield site with a metal detector because of the problems of them removing artefacts without recording the findings. It includes incentives for landowners to deter poachers and flytippers."

Read more HERE.

Waterhawks?

I'm coining a new term... Waterhawks. In the UK they refer to illegal MD activities as nighthawking. Now, learning that at night, underwater sites are also being vandalzied by treasure hunters arms with underwater detectors... I think they need a name too.

"An illegal dive on a protected South Devon wreck site has been highlighted in news of a new crackdown on heritage crime.

English Heritage has brought in a top cop to lead the fight against the growing number of heritage crimes ranging from vandal attacks on historic buildings to damaging illegal excavations by treasure hunters local for historic valuable.

Illegal diving on wreck and illegal metal detector expeditions on protected sites are part of what is believed to be a growing problem."

Read more HERE.

Note: Image above is a view of Prawle Point, near the Salcombe Harbour.

UK Heritage Police

"Heritage chiefs will this week launch a national crackdown on thieves and vandals targeting Britain's national treasures. Growing numbers of attacks are being recorded on heritage sites ranging from the vandalism of prehistoric burial mounds to thefts from churches. Experts warn that it is resulting in the disappearance of priceless historical artifacts as well as multimillion-pound repair bills.

More than 40 organizations in Britain, including the National Trust, National Parks, British Waterways and other heritage bodies, have joined with police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in a bid to curb the mounting threat."

Read more HERE.

Russian "Black Diggers" Hitting Historical Sites

Translated Text


"'In recent years they have been invaded by dozens of ancient tombs and forts, has become involved in and our republic. Most often, looters take interesting decorations, medieval coins, and those things which in their opinion less valuable - they throw. It implements, household some things. And the worst - broken statue. Lose information that could pull out.'- said the deputy director of the main activities of Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve of Udmurtia, Idnakar Andrew Kirillov.

They usually have diggers 'in service' excellent metal detectors that can see the precious metals in the soil to a depth of a meter. Does not care about history, looters take out all the values of the most barbaric ways. There were cases and digging shovels. In this case, none of the perpetrators not only delay, but to punish so far failed."

Read original article in Russian HERE.
Translated article available HERE.