18/06/2026
| Meet PC Richard Rackham, who has recently taken on the specialist role of Heritage Crime Officer, alongside his ongoing neighbourhood policing duties in South Staffordshire Police
PC Rackham brings 18 years of neighbourhood policing experience, beginning his career as a PCSO with West Midlands Police before joining as a Police Constable 10 years ago.
His neighbourhood role has seen him specialise in problem‑solving and tackling persistent local issues, including vehicle theft, burglary and anti‑social behaviour.
In his new heritage crime role, PC Rackham focuses on protecting local heritage assets by drawing on the skills and experience he has gained throughout his policing career.
His work includes investigating illegal metal detecting, theft from archaeological sites, burglaries at listed buildings and anti‑social behaviour at heritage locations, such as the use of off‑road motorbikes and e‑scooters.
He works closely with partner agencies including South Staffordshire Council the National Trust and Historic England to identify and reduce illegal activity around heritage sites.
A recent example of this partnership work is a project at Kinver Edge, where officers have been tackling illegal metal detecting and off‑road biking on the protected landscape.
To reduce anti‑social behaviour at key heritage locations, PC Rackham and the team use a tactical approach involving vehicle patrols, foot patrols, warning signage and drone support, all aligned with national heritage crime operations.
He is also helping to strengthen engagement with the local heritage community, including the development of Heritage Watch initiatives.
