A police force’s fight against heritage crime will be featured on a BBC Countryfile episode this weekend.

The BBC One programme will see presenter Tom Heap interview Herts police’s Chief Con Andy Bliss about the type of offence – related to crimes which target historical sites such as natural landmarks and cathedrals, as well as cultural artefacts.

Mr Bliss – who leads on the issue for the police at a national level – will also be highlighting how the public can play their part by joining schemes such as Heritage Watch, an initiative launched by the force in April to improve the relationship between officers on the ground and those living near heritage sites.

Members of the group receive regular updates on heritage issues and crimes, as well being connected to the wider Neighbourhood Watch OWL system which logs police activity in the area you live,

He said: “Tackling heritage and cultural property crime is something I take an active interest in, not only because I am the national policing lead, but also because I feel it is important to protect Hertfordshire’s historical and cultural assets for future generations.

“People who live close to historical sites and those who have a real interest in our local history tend to frequent the county’s areas of historical interest more often and are therefore likely to notice anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.

“Through joining Heritage Watch, we hope the public will become the ‘eyes and ears’ of these precious sites and artefacts and report anything suspicious to us.”

Countryfile will be aired from 6.20pm this Sunday on BBC One.

To become a member of Heritage Watch sign up via www.herts.police.uk/HeritageWatch.

To report heritage crime call police on non-emergency number 101.