In a late-night operation, Norfolk Police arrested a man in his 40s for engaging in illegal metal detecting, commonly referred to as nighthawking. The arrest took place in Methwold Hythe, near Downham Market, when officers observed suspicious activity in a field around 02:30 BST on Monday. The police seized a metal detector, a spade, and a collection of metal coins from the suspect at the scene.
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for further questioning. He was later released on bail until the 12th of June. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat illegal activities such as nighthawking, which can have significant implications for archaeological sites and historical artifacts.
Nighthawking is considered a serious offense in the UK, with penalties ranging from fines to potential imprisonment. The practice involves using metal detectors to search for and remove artifacts from protected archaeological sites without permission. Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious activity related to nighthawking to help protect the country’s historical heritage
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