Influential figures in Essex’s heritage industry came together today to launch a new police initiative aimed at protecting the past.

Heritage Watch is an Essex Police led partnership between agencies that are committed to protecting our heritage, as well as encouraging members of the public who want to preserve community assets to join.

The watch group will look to exchange information and put in practice crime prevention advice in order to prevent heritage crime.

The launch took place in Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome in Purleigh, where attendees had the opportunity to see the on-site museum and vast collection of planes.

Attendees were invited to find out what Heritage Watch hopes to achieve, under the brightly decorated Airmen’s Mess, complete with Union Jack bunting to celebrate St. George’s Day.

Partners including the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, Historic England and the National Trust heard how Essex Police will work with partners to preserve community assets.

The watch scheme looks to maintain and preserve important places of interest. This is to prevent any crime that may damage assets beyond recovery, which may lead to the loss of a piece of history.

Dominic Petre of the Historic Houses Association said he was ‘very pleased’ about the initiative, adding: “When heritage is lost, it is lost forever.

“Crimes against heritage are not just crimes against the owner. They are crimes against future generations and culture in general”.

Chief Superintendent Carl O’Malley said: “In Essex we have some really significant sites, from the Roman remains in Colchester to Audley End House in Saffron Walden.

“The key element for any watch scheme is to involve a broad range of different partners and bring them together. Through expert advice and assistance, we can all help one another. It is about communication, sharing, understanding and reporting”.

Stephen Armson-Smith, who has coordinated Heritage Watch, added: “Our scheme has been inspired by the ones launched by Cheshire Police and Hertfordshire Police.

“What we’d like to see are different Heritage Watches across other counties nearby. That way information and best practices can be provided and shared”.

Other launches bringing further attention to Heritage Watch have been scheduled throughout the county over the summer months.