Concern over attacks on heritage sites

Fears that organised crime gangs could be involved in thefts and arson attacks on historic buildings in the North are to be examined…

Fears that organised crime gangs could be involved in thefts and arson attacks on historic buildings in the North are to be examined after a top-level summit on the issue.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood said he would be contacting his counterpart in the Republic, as well as seeking the support of police on both sides of the Border, over the concerns.

The issue was one of a number raised as Mr Attwood led a meeting of experts in
the field for discussions that followed a string of attacks on important sites in Northern Ireland.

The Heritage Crime Summit held in Hillsborough Court House in Co Down heard from Chief Inspector Mark Harrison, policing and crime advisor to English Heritage.

Mr Attwood later said: "There may be issues on the island of Ireland about organised crime involvement."

The minister said gangs could be stealing from buildings and causing extensive
damage in the process.

Mr Harrison told the conference: "Heritage is a finite resource. Once it's gone it is gone. We are temporary guardians so we need to do right for future generations."