Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Devon & Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs Sergeant, Julian Fry, has contributed his experience and expertise to new guidance making it easier for law enforcement agencies to detect and respond to heritage crime at sea. The new guidance was launched by Historic England and the University of Plymouth.

The new Common Enforcement Manual for Heritage Crime at Sea is a maritime crime-fighting 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.

Rural Affairs Officer, Sergeant Julian Fry is the Heritage Crime Tactical Lead for Devon & Cornwall Police, and National Police Tactical Lead for Operation Birdie which targets the illegal salvage or disturbance of protected wrecks.

Sgt Fry 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 Head Office in London on 19 February.

He said, “The new Common Enforcement Manual will be a game-changer. 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.

“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.”

Historic England hopes that this pioneering ‘one-stop-resource’ for maritime heritage crime will enable law enforcement agencies to act quickly in response to suspected heritage crime incidents.

Mark Harrison, Historic England’s Head of Heritage Crime, said: "Responding to heritage crime at sea requires swift action, clear procedures and the secure preservation of evidence.

“By strengthening awareness and coordination among the law enforcement agencies patrolling England’s waters, we are enhancing our collective ability to identify offenders, secure crime scenes, and protect historic wreck sites. This sends a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated."

The manual was developed by Associate Professor of Law Jason Lowther and Visiting Professor Mike Williams, from Plymouth University’s School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences, along with Beccy Austin, a senior consultant working for MSDS Marine.

They added: "The Common Enforcement Manual is an unprecedented piece of joined-up action. It has active support from key agencies including the police, government and fisheries bodies and marks a major milestone in the protection of our rich underwater cultural heritage."

All protected wreck sites are mapped and highlighted on navigational charts, they are also on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) which can be accessed here: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/

For more information about heritage and rural crime, visit: What is rural crime? | Devon & Cornwall Police

If you witness suspicious activity or something doesn’t look right, please report it to police: Report a crime | Devon & Cornwall Police