Devon & Cornwall Police’s rural affairs sergeant, Julian Fry, has contributed to new guidance making it easier for law enforcement agencies to detect and respond to heritage crime at sea.
The new Common Enforcement Manual for Heritage Crime at Sea is a maritime crimefighting aid produced by Historic England in partnership with the University of Plymouth’s school of law, humanities and social sciences.
The guidance includes comprehensive legal advice and protocols for the observation, investigation, and interception of vessels suspected of being involved in criminal activity, and outlines necessary communication procedures between relevant organisations.
There are 57 nationally important protected shipwrecks around the coast of England, 21 of which are located off Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. Wrecks lying on the seabed present very obvious challenges for those monitoring them, so if crime or suspicious activity is detected on a protected wreck, it is crucial that those tasked with maritime enforcement are able to act swiftly.
While most divers abide by the law, an unscrupulous minority have removed material or failed to follow legal requirements, resulting in irreparable damage to several historic shipwreck sites.
Sgt Fry is the heritage crime tactical lead for Devon & Cornwall Police, and national police yactical lead for Operation Birdie, which targets the illegal salvage or disturbance of protected wrecks. He provided information for the policing section of the manual and attended the official launch of the Common Enforcement Manual for Heritage Crime at Sea, which took place at Historic England’s head office, in London.
“The new Common Enforcement Manual will be a game-changer,” he said. “It provides clear and easy-to-use guidance that will help to ensure our maritime heritage sites are properly protected.
“Last year, the HMS Coronation, which went down off Rame Head, Cornwall in 1691 — and was added to the Protection of Wrecks Act in 1978 — was subject to potential damage after a series of lobster pots were found on the wreck in Cornwall.
“Preservation of nationally important heritage sites is essential, and this pioneering manual, which brings together into one place the knowledge, skills, and experience of those involved with enforcement in the maritime heritage crime sector, will help us to extend the protection for underwater heritage sites for years to come.”
He added: “The guide will be shared with Police, Coastguard, Border Force, Ministry of Defence, and other key partners, outlining powers available to them to safeguard maritime heritage, as well as steps they can take to enforce protection laws.”
