Body-worn cameras are being tested by English Heritage to protect staff from abusive visitors and curb incidents

DUTCH Heritage is testing body-worn cameras to protect its staff from abusive visitors.

The charity says it hopes this measure will curb incidents of anti-social behavior at four trial sites.

Our mock-up of what English Heritage staff could look like after the charity rolls out bodycamsCredit: English Heritage

It comes after workers at supermarkets such as Lidl were introduced to body-worn camerasCredit: WCCTV/PA Wire

Cameras will be clearly visible but only turned on when necessary, warning people that they will be filmed charity say.

A statement said: “The vast majority of people come to our venues to enjoy a great day out, but unfortunately we are seeing isolated cases of anti-social behavior directed towards our staff.

“It is very important that our team feels safe and supported. Employees will only activate the cameras if the situation requires it.”

Police officers routinely wear body cameras, but these are increasingly being used to protect staff – including at supermarket chains such as Lidl And Tesco like NHS trusts.

Dartmoor National Park Authority has also confirmed that rangers will continue to use body-worn cameras on patrols after a successful two-year trial period.

The pilot was used to tackle abuse by some visitors to the heathland Devon.

English Heritage cares for more than 400 historic buildings and monuments, including tourist sites such as Steenhenge in Wiltshire and Hadrian’s Wall Cumbria.

The body cameras will be monitored at Kenwood House in North West London, Marble Hill in South West London, Tilbury Fort in Essex and Wrestpark, Bedfordshire.

A report from government agency Historic England last week found that theft and vandalism at heritage sites are on the rise.

Works of art, antiques and historic stone were among items worth more than £3.2 million stolen between 2021 and 2022.

People gather at dawn for the summer solstice at Stonehenge in Wiltshire