Member Article

New Crime Fighting Initiative To Protect York’s Heritage

A new initiative aimed at protecting York’s historic assets from criminals has been launched in the city.

York Heritage Watch, which is being chaired by the director of a business that seeks to improve security within the arts and museums sector, was officially unveiled at an event held in the Yorkshire Museum.

Those attending the launch event included senior officers from North Yorkshire Police and representatives from a number of local and national organisations, including North Yorkshire Police, Historic England, The National Trust, The Church Conservation Trust, York Civic Trust, York Museums Trust, York Minster and The Diocese of York.

Mr Minary, a former senior police officer, said the local motivation behind York Heritage Watch came after a “burglar’s tool kit” was found within the grounds of the Stained Glass Centre.

He added: “I’m extremely grateful to all stakeholders who have supported the scheme to date and for allowing us the opportunity to launch the heritage watch partnership at the prestigious Yorkshire Museum.

“I was also delighted that representatives from a number of key organisations were able to join us on the day, as their support and input will be invaluable in making this the success who hope it will be.

“York is a magnet for visitors from around the world to keen to absorb the city’s rich heritage, and it is the heritage assets that this group is aiming to protect.”

Mr Minary said: “Heritage crime is a problem in both urban and rural areas, with nationally important heritage assets being at risk from damage and theft - particularly metal theft.

“And because police resources are more stretched than ever before, they need the public to be their eyes and ears on the ground, in towns, cities and in the countryside.

“York Heritage Watch will provide a hands on platform for the local heritage community to come together to help each other, talk to each other, share news and best practice and improve safety for their sites, their visitors and their hard working staff.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Watts .