Some of nation’s top monuments under threat from criminals

English Heritage revealed yesterday that it is having to contend with scores of cases of criminal damage annually at its sites across the country, costing thousands of pounds in repairs each year.

Fears are growing that centuries-old monuments could be lost forever if offenders continue to target the sites in often remote parts of the country.

An English Heritage spokeswoman said: “Heritage crimes are criminal activities which can have a serious effect on neighbourhoods and society. Things like arson, graffiti and criminal damage scar beautiful buildings.

“Anti-social behaviour debases the places we live and enjoy visiting – theft and illegal metal detecting take away the physical evidence valuable to our understanding of the past.

“If heritage crimes are not tackled better we all stand to lose something of our history and well-being.”

Latest figures have revealed that English Heritage dealt with 80 cases of criminal damage at its sites nationwide in the last 12 months.

The warning comes after a man was convicted of the worst act of vandalism on an English Heritage’s site in the north of England in recent years.

Adam Blythe was convicted last week of daubing graffiti on Clifford’s Tower as well as the city’s Minster and crown court. Blythe, 31, of no fixed address, was jailed for four months by Selby magistrates on Friday following a trial after he had denied five charges of criminal damage.