ACTION must be taken to protect Caerleon's historic Roman ruins and other important ancient monuments from vandals, a Gwent AM has said.
Last week vandals struck at the remains of the Roman amphitheatre in Caerleon, which was constructed in around 90 AD, removing ancient stones, which can cause structural damage.
And South Wales East AM Mohammad Asghar raised the incident in the Assembly this week, branding the perpetrators "mindless".
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He said: "Last week, the Roman amphitheatre in Caerleon was once again the target for vandals, with stones being removed and thrown around.
"Removal of these stones has damaged the structure of this ancient monument and its underlying archaeology. Incidents have also been reported of suspected vandals being abusive and threatening to the custodian of the site."
Replying, Welsh Government minister Rebecca Evans said: "Vandalism and destruction of protected monuments is thankfully very, very rare, but when it does occur, it's obviously something that's of deep concern and regret to the communities affected particularly, but also to all of us in terms of our Welsh history and our Welsh heritage."
She added she would ask deputy minister Jane Hutt to write to Mr Asghar with an update.
Gwent Police’s Rural Crime and Neighbourhood Policing Teams are working with CADW - the Welsh Government’s historic environment service - and the custodians of the Amphitheatre and Roman ruins in an attempt to stamp out the problem, which is classed as 'heritage crime'
.Anyone with information about the incident can contact Gwent Police on 101, quoting reference 192 of May 7.
Gwent Police are encouraging anyone with information regarding the incidents to ring 101, quoting reference 192 of 7/5/19.
Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via
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