NightHawking

We are seeing an increase in reports of Nighthawking in the North East Lincolnshire Rural areas. 

What is Nighthawking? 

Nighthawking is the illegal practice of using metal detectors to search for and remove archaeological artefacts from private or protected land without permission, typically under cover of darkness. It involves trespassing on private property and the illegal excavation of scheduled monuments. 

The #RuralTaskForce are trained in assessing these reports and investigating the crime together with our partner agencies including Historic England and North East Lincolnshire Council. What might look like just a hole in a field is actually #CriminalDamage and #Theft. Items found are rarely reported to the local authority as required by the Treasure Act 1996. If you see any suspicious activity in rural areas just prior to or in the hours of darkness please call 101 or 999. 

If you know anything about the illegal trade in artefacts please consider contacting the RTF or Crimestoppers. We can be contacted at RTF@humberside.police.uk. Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111. #RTF #RuralCrime #HeritageCrime