Obscenities Carved into Door of Pickering Castle

Friday, 21 May 2021 16:13

By Matthew Pells

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information after the main door to Pickering Castle was damaged by vandals.

Overnight between 19 and 20 May 2021, someone carved obscenities into the wooden door at the entrance to the castle.

Officers are requesting the public’s assistance to help identify those responsible for this mindless criminal damage.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:

“Pickering Castle – which dates back to the time of the Normans under William the Conqueror – is one of thousands of heritage sites that make our area such a great place to live and visit.

“We all need to work together to protect these sites, so that future generations can continue to enjoy them for many years to come. This can be achieved by increasing awareness of the heritage assets in our community, supporting rural watch schemes, and encouraging members of the public to report incidents around heritage sites.”

North Yorkshire Police regularly patrol heritage sites, and work with partner agencies to ensure they are protected. People who live and work near such sites – particularly in rural areas – are asked to help the police combat heritage crime:

Be aware of where the heritage sites and artefacts are in your community – you can find information at www.historicengland.org.uk – and keep an eye out for them
Report any concerns to the police on 101 or, if a crime is in progress, 999.
Join a police Rural Watch scheme, and share information with others in the area.
Visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/heritagewatch or contact your local police station for more information.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation into the damage at Pickering Castle should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Louise Neville-Beck. You can also email louise.neville-beck@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210121816 when passing information about this incident.