Norfolk's historic landmarks need better protection, says MP

A government minister has agreed to meet South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough about the problem, after he raised the matter in Parliament.

Norfolk Constabulary has previously used drones at St Benet's Abbey on the Broads, as well as at Caistor Roman Town - also known as Venta Icenorum - to protect against gangs of unauthorised detectorists.

Caistor Roman Town (Image: Mike Page)

While many metal detectorists are responsible and work closely with the museum service over finds, there are groups which work illegally and without permission - often under the cover of darkness.

There have also been incidents where criminals have vandalised and stolen metals, such as lead, from churches.

South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough (Image: Labour Party)

Labour MP Mr Goldsborough spoke about the issue in the House of Commons this week, when he called for more training so scrap dealers can spot attempts to sell stolen metal.

He said: "Heritage crime is a huge issue in rural communities like mine.

"My constituency boast some of the jewels in England’s crown—Roman town Venta Icenorum, Wymondham Abbey and the wooden henge in Arminghall—which puts us more at risk of heritage crime.

"Will the minister meet me to discuss how we can train scrap metal dealers to be more aware of the damage that it does, and how might we record the statistics more appropriately so that we can give police the resources they need?"

Sarah Jones, minister of state, said she would meet Mr Goldsborough about the "important matter".

She said: "We are supporting the work of Historic England on a number of issues to tackle heritage crime, but I am sure that we can go further, and I look forward to talking to him about it."

Afterwards, Mr Goldsborough said: "Raising this issue in Parliament was about making sure rural voices are heard and that the practical realities on the ground are understood.

"Better awareness, better data and better coordination can make a real difference."

St Benet's Abbey (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

Norfolk produced more treasure finds than any other English county in 2024, according to recent figures.

Of the 1,446 discoveries registered with the British Museum's portable antiquities scheme, 138 were found in Norfolk.