Influential figures in Essex’s heritage industry came together today to launch a new police initiative aimed at protecting the past.

Heritage Watch is an Essex Police led partnership between agencies that are committed to protecting heritage, as well as encouraging members of the public who want to preserve community assets to join.

The watch group will look to exchange information and put into practice crime prevention advice in order to prevent heritage crime.

The launch took place in Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, where attendees had the opportunity to see the on-site museum and vast collection of planes.

Attendees were invited to find out what Heritage Watch hopes to achieve, under the brightly decorated Airmen’s Mess, complete with Union Jack bunting to celebrate St. George’s Day.

Partners including the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, Historic England and the National Trust heard how Essex Police will work with partners to preserve community assets.

The watch scheme looks to maintain and preserve important places of interest.

This is to prevent any crime that may damage assets beyond recovery, which may lead to the loss of a piece of history.

Dominic Petre of the Historic Houses Association said he was "very pleased" about the initiative, adding: "When heritage is lost, it is lost forever.

"Crimes against heritage are not just crimes against the owner. They are crimes against future generations and culture in general."