Illicit raids on the rise

Those who think that the Portable Antiquities Scheme is the solution to looting in the UK should read today's Daily Telegraph ("Treasure hunters raid historic sites", October 5, 2009). While the PAS does good work in recording (some) finds removed from the fields of England and Wales, this is only part of the picture. (For a comment on the low scale of reporting see here.)

Pete Wilson, an archaeologist with English Heritage, is quoted by the Telegraph:

Nighthawking is a problem across the country and we fear that the recession may produce a spike.

We are getting increasing attacks on private land where the nighthawks have no permission to be.

But who are the people acquiring the finds from such nocturnal activities? Observant readers will know the answer.