It is now some time since the launch of ARCH, The Alliance to Reduce Crime Against Heritage and a progress report  has recently been issued. It seems that the concept, along with a memorandum of understanding between the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Crown Prosecution Service, English Heritage and participating local authorities has really borne fruit. Over 150 incidents have been investigated including these notable – and satisfying – operations:

“Operation Arsenic and Godiva – Kent and Essex Police working with the Receiver of Wreck and English Heritage executed five search warrants as part of an investigation into unlawful salvage from protected wrecks.

Operation Totem – Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire Police working with English Heritage and experts from the Portable Antiquities Scheme, arrested a male on suspicion of illicit metal detecting in Lincolnshire.

Operation Denby – Kent Police working with French Customs, English Heritage and the Army to disrupt and deter the importation of artefacts, including live ammunition from Great War battlefields.

Operation Quartile – Northamptonshire County Council, Northamptonshire Police, English Heritage and finds experts from the Portable Antiquities Scheme investigating illicit metal detecting and damage to a scheduled monument. Two men are assisting the police with their enquiries.

Collaborative work between the Environment Agency, Surrey County Council and English Heritage to investigate and enforce unauthorized tipping and damage to a scheduled monument which also involves a planning breach.

There have also been a number of successful prosecutions involving metal thefts and graffiti affecting listed buildings where the police, English Heritage and local authorities have worked closely.”