LETTER:Detector users to suffer with crooks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Your article "Law may soon be watching the detectorists" (1 March) appeared to be another example of the activities of criminals who employ metal detectors being publicised to promote legislation to impose still more controls on legitimate hobbyists.
Responsible detector users are on record as finding and honestly reporting 90 per cent of the treasures recovered over the last five years (Lord lnglewood - Treasure Trove Reviewing Committee Report, December 1995). It must also be appreciated that the controls will be extended to ordinary members of the public because the law will apply to all.
The proposals will vastly increase the number of items that will have to be formally reported, with the threat of criminal proceedings if anything is omitted. The definition of treasure is such that unwary members of the public could be unknowingly in breach of the law.
R Whalley
National Council for Metal Detecting
Bristol
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments