Identifying sites at risk from illicit metal detecting: from CRAVED to HOPPER

ABSTRACT

Archaeological sites are at risk from acquisitive crime: this paper focuses in particular on illicit metal detecting. The effects of theft in this context are not merely financial, but have devastating impact on our knowledge and understanding of the site. Even where items are later recovered, we lose the vital clues about the precise context of an object. We therefore need to reduce the risk of theft occurring in the first place.

This paper draws on case studies from England and presents a new methodology to assess which archaeological sites may be at risk from illicit metal detecting: ‘HOPPER’ identifies the characteristics of sites likely to be targeted by offenders looking for antiquities. In brief: History (a history of finds at the site); Open (the site has physical public access, and/or is documented in the public domain); Protection (protected status can act as a beacon for offenders); Publicity (site is known about or receiving new attention); Evasion (there are known ways to escape apprehension); and Repeat victimisation (The site has been a target before). The impact of HOPPER will be its use in the field to develop a pragmatic risk assessment applicable both in a local and international context.

KEYWORDS:

• Heritage crime
• illicit metal detecting
• portable antiquities
• crime prevention
• archaeology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Louise Grove

Dr Louise Grove is Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Social Policy at Loughborough University. Louise’s research interests are in heritage crime and crime prevention. Her current research focuses on exploring the nature and extent of crime at heritage assets.

Adam Daubney

Adam Daubney is the Lincolnshire Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Adam’s research interests are in archaeological material culture and the illicit trade in antiquities.

Alasdair Booth

Alasdair Booth is currently a Doctoral Student at Loughborough University and also a serving police officer in the Lincolnshire Police. Alasdair led the force’s response to heritage crime involving the theft of artefacts through illicit metal detecting. Alasdair’s interests are in the illicit trade in antiquities and organised crime.