UK Police to Start Cracking Down on Illegal Looting of Historic Shipwrecks

The UK Police have described a new effort to combat heritage crime happening beneath the sea as 'truly pioneering,' as authorities move to strengthen enforcement against the illegal looting and damage of historic shipwrecks in British waters.

In collaboration with the University of Plymouth, Historic England has published the Common Enforcement Manual for Heritage Crime at Sea, a project report that stands as a new national enforcement guide designed to help police and maritime agencies investigate crimes involving underwater heritage sites.

​This effort comes as a large part of England's protected shipwrecks are found in remote locations, many of which lie around the coasts of Cornwall and Devon, presenting vulnerabilities from interference that frequently goes undetected, per BBC.

Devon and Cornwall Police Sergeant Julian Fry referred to the manual as a 'game-changer' in assisting authorities in addressing illegal dumping. He said of the manual, 'This is truly pioneering work.'

​The Common Enforcement Manual

Developed by Professors Jason Lowther and Mike Williams of the University of Plymouth's School of Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences, with the help of Senior Consultant for Marine Safety Data Sheet Marine, Beccy Austin, The Common Enforcement Manual aims to provide police, government, and fisheries bodies with stronger oversight of activities at sea, according to Lowther.

​He also said the guidelines were 'a major milestone in the protection of our rich underwater cultural heritage' and that it is an 'unprecedented piece of joined-up action' such that it brings together legal guidance, operational protocols, and clearer coordination between agencies.

​Until the Common Enforcement Manual came to be, Lowther shared that crimes around shipwrecks, such as theft, were only detected through social media.​

How Authorities Identify Crimes Beneath The Waves

Professor Lowther said individuals involved in such activities may not always realise they are harming something of historical importance. He said, 'It might well be the licensed divers that go on to the wrecks and conduct archaeology might notice there's been some sort of interference in it.'

​Lowther noted that investigating potential damage underwater presents unique challenges. Unlike crimes committed on land, underwater sites are constantly affected by natural conditions, making it difficult to determine exactly when or how the interference occurred.

Lowther said, 'Obviously, that's difficult because it isn't a crime scene like you would expect to find on land - the natural environment beneath the water is going to be a complex and dynamic one and things change all the time. Without a proper baseline understanding of what's there in the first place, sometimes it can be quite difficult to establish something has been damaged.'

​Sergeant Fry said the manual provides clear, practical guidance for police dealing with maritime heritage crime, describing it as 'truly pioneering work' from the knowledge and skills of those involved in enforcing protections for historic shipwrecks.

Prof. Lowther has emphasised that the guidance has already delivered results, citing incidents last summer when fishing pots were illegally dumped on protected wrecks, but stopped when authorities intervened.

​Mark Harrison, head of heritage crime at Historic England, said responding to offences at sea requires swift action, clear procedures, and careful preservation of evidence. 'This sends a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated, Harrison said.'

​The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists' Heritage Crime Special Interest Group said the manual is a 'leap forward' in keeping underwater heritage for generations to come.