Section 60 — Restrictions on use of metal detectors
199.This section deals with the offence of using a “
200.In recent decades, the unauthorised use of metal detectors on protected places, often under the cover of darkness when it is frequently referred to as “
201.Four separate offences are therefore identified at subsections (2) to (5) which can be committed by a person using a metal detector in a protected place. A person found guilty on summary conviction or a conviction on indictment is liable to a fine, which depends on the nature of the offence. These fines are set out in subsections (8) and (9).
202.Subsections (6) and (7) set out the defences available to a person in the event of any proceedings for an offence under subsections (2) or (4). In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (2) it is a defence for a person to prove that the metal detector was used for a purpose other than detecting or locating objects of archaeological or historical interest. Further, in any proceedings for an offence under subsection (2) or (4) it is a defence for a person to prove that all reasonable steps had been taken to find out whether the place in which the metal detector was used was a protected place and they did not know, and had no reason to believe that the place was a protected place. Information on the location and extent of all scheduled monuments is available on Cof Cymru.