Thousands of metal detectorists enjoy the hobby and many new people look to take up metal detecting every day. It is vital that you understand the rules and law relating to metal detecting before your step outside with a metal detector. We provide the information to help you.
Always ensure you have the landowners AGREEMENT to detect.
You MUST have the permission of the LANDOWNER (not just a tenant).
You MUST NOT detect on any site that has a statutory designation (e.g. a scheduled ancient monument) even if they are on the landowners land.
It makes sense to have an agreement in writing.
This agreement can include how you share the proceeds from any valuable finds.
Always follow the RULES around legally detecting.
If you don't you could fall foul of the law so make sure you understand the rules and regulations.
You can be arrested for THEFT or going equipped to steal if you don't.
Abide by the CODE OF CONDUCT published by the NCMD to ensure safe, legal and responsible detecting.
The code is good practice and should be followed by all responsible detectorists.
All countries have laws about finding historical artefacts and/or TREASURE. There are definitions on what is deemed be treasure or of historic significance and MUST BE REPORTED to the appropriate authorities.
Please note that are different rules in Scotland.
Important changes were recently made to the Treasure Act and you need to understand them so you don't fall foul of the law. This document explains the changes...
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Heritage crime is any offence which harms the value of heritage assets and their settings. Some heritage assets are protected by specific legislation to prevent harm caused by damage or unlicensed alteration.
However, other crimes such as theft, criminal damage, arson and anti-social behaviour offences can also damage and harm heritage assets, and interfere with the public's enjoyment and knowledge of their heritage.
Heritage assets are sites which are considered to have a value to the heritage of England and include, but are not limited to:
Listed buildings | Scheduled monuments | World Heritage Sites | Protected marine wreck sites | Conservation areas | Registered parks and gardens | Registered battlefields | Protected military remains of aircraft and vessels of historic interest | Undesignated but acknowledged heritage buildings and sites.
Historic England along with the National Police Chief's Council (NPPC), the Crown Prosecution Service and local authorities have developed a partnership model for the prevention and enforcement of heritage crime. The aim of this model is to deliver a programme of preventative measures and enforcement activities that are realistic, efficient and deliverable.
Neighbourhood Policing has been established to tackle local crime and anti-social behaviour and also provides a useful model for tackling heritage crime. This is often best done at a local level through Community Safety Partnerships.
Nearly every police service has a liaison officer who will coordinate issues related to heritage crime in their area. If you know a heritage crime has or is taking place you should report it.
You can also report a heritage crime anonymously online using crimestoppers. Use the link below to do this.
Nighthawking is the illegal search for and removal of antiquities from the ground using metal detectors, without the permission of the landowners, or on prohibited land such as Scheduled Monuments. Nighthawking is therefore theft.
Nighthawks are not to be confused with responsible metal detectorists. Most metal detectorists follow a code of practice, record and/or report their finds, abide by the Treasure Act (1996) and are valued for the adding to archaeological understanding.
It is important to understand that the term 'Nighthawks' to refers to those who illegally metal detect however it is not meant to imply either that the activities of Nighthawks are restricted to hours of darkness, or that law-abiding metal detecting can only take place during the day.
Nighthawking is the theft of our heritage by a small minority of rogues and thieves sometimes, but not always, using metal detectors. They steal artifacts and cause damage to historic sites.
Our shared heritage is a finite resource. The value of heritage is not solely financial but relates to the information it can provide about our common history and origins. This knowledge belongs to everyone and the most significant consequence of Nighthawking is this loss of knowledge.
Nighthawking is a heritage crime. If you know a heritage crime has or is taking place you should report it. Please see the section on reporting heritage crime on how to do this safely. You can also report a heritage crime anonymously online using crimestoppers. Alternatively, you can report crime online at www.police.uk using the link below. You can call 101 for non-emergencies but in an emergency - please call 999.
