Illegal excavation at protected burial site in Åndalsnes: 49 probe holes discovered
Police are investigating illegal excavation at the protected cultural monument Kamshaugen in Åndalsnes. A total of 49 probe holes have been uncovered, six of them within the protected area.
Police investigate illegal excavation at protected burial site in Rauma
Police have launched an investigation after illegal excavation was discovered at the protected cultural monument on Kamshaugen, at the Kammen burial field in Åndalsnes, according to NRK Norge.
Examination of the area has revealed a total of 49 probe holes – small pits in the ground resulting from excavation. Six of these are located within the protected area itself. The burial field is situated in a secured outdoor recreation area in central Åndalsnes.
According to police, the excavation likely took place between 5 and 8 November and was discovered on Sunday 8 November.
Police legal counsel Sandra Grøtta Krakeli describes the case as a serious breach of law. In a press release, she appeals for information from anyone who may have observed persons, activity or other unusual movement on Kamshaugen during the relevant period.
"Our cultural monuments are an important source of knowledge about our history. When such traces are destroyed, we lose information that can never be recreated," Krakeli writes.
She also calls on whoever was responsible for the excavation to come forward to police.
Police emphasise that damage to cultural monuments can be irreparable. When archaeological traces are destroyed, both artefacts and historical knowledge can be lost permanently.
Source: NRK Norge