Police probe 'heritage crime' as vandals trek into Welsh hills to graffiti former mine buildings
Police are investigating a "heritage crime" after vandals trekked into the Welsh hills to graffiti former mine buildings. The incident took place at the old Cwm Elan Mines - that last operated 150 years ago.
The remaining buildings are well away from the nearest road, meaning they would have had to of undertaken a "considerable walk" to target the properties in the Elan Valley, Powys.
The vandals came under fire, with one person calling it "absolutely disgraceful behaviour".
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Dyfed Powys Police said: "Rural crime Team are investigating a recent incident of heritage crime (Inc. criminal damage). Graffiti has been left on buildings at heritage site - Cwm Elan mines at the Elan Valley estate.
"The damage is believed to have occurred sometime between 01/04/2024 and 13/05/2024. The site is accessed via a footpath meaning that the offender(s) have had a considerable walk in order to deface and damage the site.
"If you have any information that can assist the investigation, or recognised the graffiti tags please get in touch with the team - RuralCrimeTeam@dyfed-powys.police.uk"
On social media, one person said: "Absolutely disgraceful behaviour, some people have no respect whatsoever." Another added: "Mindless vandalism in what is - today - an unspoilt landscape. Yes, it was a centre of industrial activity, but it isn't now and as a heritage site should be respected for what it is, not daubed with very hard to remove paint."
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