Cornwall's important landmarks are to be given extra protection from crimes such as arson, graffiti and criminal damage.

People are encouraged to report crimes or suspicious behaviour around heritage assets, as part of Heritage Watch.

This has been launched by Devon & Cornwall Police, in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Community Watch Association (DACCWA) and Historic England.

The scheme is open to landowners, custodians of heritage assets, people who live near heritage sites, or anyone who is interested in the history and culture of Cornwall.

PC Julian Fry, rural affairs officer at Devon & Cornwall Police said: "Heritage crime is any offence that harms the value of heritage assets and their settings. It can include arson, criminal damage, theft, unlawful salvage from historic shipwrecks, and the trade in illicit cultural objects.

“With around 35,000 designated heritage assets in Devon and Cornwall, we want to protect the past for our future. By joining the Heritage Watch scheme, people can help us do that."

Duncan Wilson, Historic England chief executive, said: "We welcome our colleagues from Devon & Cornwall Police and Devon & Cornwall Community Watch Association as the newest Heritage Watch area in England.

“By working together with communities and partners across the law enforcement and heritage sectors, we can help protect our historic buildings and archaeological sites from the threat of crime and anti-social behaviour and ensure their preservation for future generations to enjoy."

Members of the public can sign up for Heritage Watch alerts at https://alerts.dc.police.uk/ and by choosing ‘Heritage Watch’ under ‘Community Groups’.

More information about designated heritage sites can be found at the online database provided by Historic England at www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list