Metal detectorists who diligently reported significant historical finds, including ancient coin hoards, axe heads, and gold jewellery, have been left frustrated and disappointed after the items disappeared from museum custody. At least 12 treasure cases originating from Cumbria and Lancashire were subject to a three-year police investigation following their disappearance from museum authorities in Preston, where they were meant to undergo assessment.
Peter Major, a metal detectorist from Barrow, shared that the experience has soured his enjoyment of the hobby, which he initially took up for his mental well-being. He, along with fellow detectorist Chris Linton, reported their respective finds to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a programme run by the British Museum. These items were logged with the Lancashire County Council Museum service in Preston in 2020.
Under the Portable Antiquities Scheme, discovered treasures must be reported. Once assessed for their historical and monetary value, they are typically offered for sale to museums, with proceeds split between the finder and the landowner. If no museum expresses interest, the items are returned to the finder. Alarm bells began to ring for Major and Linton when, after two years, they had received no updates on their finds. It was then they discovered that some of the items were missing.
Chris Linton recounted the excitement of finding over 60 13th-century coins during a dig in Penrith, describing it as "amazing, it's what you dream of." However, in 2022, an email from the Lancashire Museums service revealed that the British Museum's Treasure Registry had requested an object from Preston for analysis, only for museum staff to discover it was not there. Further searches confirmed that as many as 12 sets of registered artefacts, along with their associated casework files, were missing.
Lancashire Police launched a formal inquiry in 2022, leading to an individual being arrested and bailed, and some of the artefacts being recovered. However, in February 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that no charges would be brought. A spokesperson for the CPS stated that the legal test to charge the suspect was not met, a decision that was independently reviewed and upheld last December. Linton expressed his concern not just for the potential earnings lost, but for the preservation of the items' historical significance.
Lancashire County Council, which was responsible for the items, has acknowledged the concerns raised by the metal detectorists. A spokesperson stated that the council is committed to "rebuilding confidence by continuing to work transparently with affected parties." Some items held by the police were returned to the council around Easter, and staff are now "working at pace to assess, catalogue and return items to those affected." Major, whose hoard of silver coins was eventually returned, is still awaiting clarity on three missing axe heads, a situation he feels is making him "jump through hoops."