The term Rural Crime spans a broad range of criminal offences - from more recognised crime-types such as hare-coursing and machinery theft to livestock rustling. Not many people would class metal detecting without permission and ‘night-hawking’ as a crime though, so I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some more information about this increasingly popular pastime and more importantly share how it not only affects farmers and landowners who have experienced the often costly effects of illegal detecting, but can also destroy our shared heritage.
Our county has a rich and fascinating history, and responsible detectorists play an important role in helping uncover and preserve pieces of that heritage.
When carried out correctly, metal detecting can support historical research and strengthen our understanding of the past. However, it is vital that the hobby is practised responsibly, lawfully and with respect for landowners, communities and Dorset’s historic environment.
I would like to invite one of our local farmers to tell us more about how illegal detecting has affected the land he cares for.
“For many farmers, their land is more than just a workplace – it’s their livelihood, their heritage and often something that has been passed down through generations. While most metal detectorists act responsibly and always ask permission before searching, illegal detecting and nighthawking can cause real concern and frustration in rural communities.
“Nighthawkers are people detecting on land without permission, often at night to avoid being seen - hence the name. For farmers, this isn’t just trespassing – it can also result in damage to crops, disturbed livestock and holes left across fields that can pose a hazard to machinery or animals.
“I have had night-hawkers on my land, falling and stumbling about in the pitch dark, digging holes without a care and causing considerable damage to the crops as they dig, I have found piles of rubbish left behind by detectorists, discarded food, drinks cans and water bottles all thrown away without consideration.
“I have had to call the police on one occasion as I caught a detectorist on my land without permission, digging up a newly planted crop, committing criminal damage. But beyond the damage caused, there is also the loss of trust. Some farmers do grant permission to responsible detectorists who treat the land with respect and share any interesting discoveries. However, when illegal detecting takes place, it can make landowners far more cautious about allowing anyone onto their land in the future.
“Farmers want people to enjoy the countryside, but the message is simple: always ask permission first. Respect for the land, the law and the history beneath our feet helps ensure that metal detecting remains a positive and welcomed hobby in rural communities.”
I would like to thank our guest contributor and encourage anyone interested in metal detecting to familiarise themselves with the guidance provided by Dorset Council and to follow the Code of Best Practice for Metal Detecting in Dorset. By doing so, you help ensure that this hobby continues to be enjoyed while protecting Dorset’s heritage for future generations.
David Sidwick
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
Set out below are some of the do's and don't's of detecting:
Always Get the Landowner’s Permission
- One of the most important rules of metal detecting in the UK is simple: never detect on land without the permission of the landowner or occupier.
- Most land in the UK is privately owned, including farmland, woodland and many open spaces. Detecting without permission can amount to trespass, and if you take items from the land it may also be considered theft, because objects found in the ground legally belong to the landowner.
- Turning up and detecting without asking can damage relationships between landowners and the detecting community, making it harder for responsible hobbyists to gain access to sites in the future.
Laws You Could Break
If metal detecting is done irresponsibly, a number of laws may be broken. These include:
- Theft Act 1968 - if you remove items from land without the landowner’s permission, you may be committing theft. Finds generally belong to the landowner unless an agreement has been made beforehand.
- Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 - it is illegal to use a metal detector on a scheduled monument or protected archaeological site without written consent. These sites are protected because of their national historical importance.
- Treasure Act 1996 - certain finds that qualify as treasure must be reported to the local coroner within 14 days. Failure to report a treasure find is a criminal offence.
- By-laws and Local Restrictions - many parks, beaches and public areas have local by-laws that restrict or prohibit metal detecting. Always check with the local authority before detecting on public land.
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