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A recent report by Cadw, the organization responsible for preserving and safeguarding Welsh heritage, has highlighted a concerning trend of increasing criminal damage to listed buildings. According to Cadw, this year could potentially witness the highest number of reported crimes involving vandalism and damage at various ancient sites throughout Wales. The surge in heritage crime has prompted Cadw to stress the importance of reporting any suspicious behavior witnessed at heritage sites.
Neath Abbey, a historic site dating back to the late 13th century, has been a target for several incidents of criminal damage this year. The damage includes new signage being vandalized, grass being torn up and utilized as a bike track, windows to the under croft being smashed, and a Tudor exhibition experiencing vandalism. Jon Berry from Cadw mentioned that there are typically “40 to 50 incidents a year” of heritage crime at their sites, with even more occurring across historical environments in Wales. The impact of such damage goes beyond financial costs, as it results in the erosion of authentic fragments inherited from the past.
Across Wales, there are over 30,000 listed historic buildings, with more than 4,000 scheduled monuments of national significance, including Roman remains, burial mounds, castles, and bridges. Additionally, there are 400 registered historic parks and four world heritage sites in the region. Deliberate damage to scheduled monuments can lead to various consequences, from fines to potential imprisonment. The severity of these crimes underscores the need for greater awareness and vigilance in protecting Wales’ rich historical heritage.
Heritage crime encompasses a range of illegal activities that harm historical assets, including theft of historic metal, deliberate damage such as graffiti, unauthorized works on scheduled monuments, illegal metal detecting, and anti-social behavior. Rob Taylor, Wales’ wildlife and rural crime co-ordinator, emphasized the importance of education in preventing such crimes, noting that many incidents are rooted in ignorance. By raising awareness and engaging with the community, there is hope for fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of preserving ancient sites for future generations to appreciate and enjoy
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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