Warwickshire Police has become the first force in the country to complete a new training course delivered by Historic England.

The course provides officers with the knowledge and understanding they require to prevent and investigate crime and anti-social behaviour in the historic environment.

The training consisted of two workshops delivered by specialist trainers from Historic England and Essex Police.

As part of the training officers were encouraged to identify and visit the historic sites and buildings situated in their force area and, where possible, meet and engage with the owners.

Following a formal assessment, 16 officers achieved the required standard of 'Heritage Crime Officer'. This brings the total number of heritage officers in Warwickshire Police to 19.

Rural crime coordinator Carol Cotterill from the Warwickshire Police rural crime team said: "We are really pleased as a force to have this specialist training for our officers and we continue to build on the strong partnership we have with Historic England."

The Historic England website shows over 100 'listed' buildings in Kenilworth alone, with the majority of these being Grade II. Many of these are along the High Street as well at the castle and abbey.

Mark Harrison, Head of Heritage Crime Strategy, Historic England, who led the training said: "The assessment panel were very impressed by the level of knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication shown by the officers.

They have shown that they are ready to work with Historic England and the communities of Warwickshire to protect the county's heritage from the threat and impact of crime and anti-social behaviour."