CALNE Police are appealing for witnesses after the historic Lansdowne Monument near Cherhill was damaged by vandals during ongoing conservation work.
Graffiti and wording scratched into the stonework were discovered at the monument, where the National Trust is currently undertaking restoration work. The incident happened while sections of the usual protective safety hoarding had been removed.
The damage is believed to have happened sometime between 4.30pm on Thursday, 24th July, and 8am on Wednesday, 6th August.
Officers have launched a criminal damage investigation and are appealing for witnesses.
PCSO Mark Cook said: "Heritage crime not only damages historic places but also affects our shared history and local community.
"We are committed to identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice.
"We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, witnessed anything suspicious, or has any dashcam footage of vehicles parked nearby on the A4. Any footage may assist our enquiries.
"If you have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact Wiltshire Police quoting Crime Reference Number 54260095279."
The ongoing conservation work forms part of a long-term project to restore the monument, with the aim of eventually removing the protective safety hoarding that has surrounded the landmark for more than a decade.
Photo credit: Tim Havenith
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