The "despicable" behaviour of scavengers has forced the authorities to invoke ancient legislation to stop looters raiding cargo on a Devon beach. Powers not used for 100 years will be used to force people to return goods recovered from the stricken container ship MSC Napoli.
Separate laws will also be used to ban the public from Branscombe beach. The police said organised gangs were targeting the beach and were behind some of the worst looting. Over the last two days scavengers have descended on the beach, taking away goods that included BMW motorbikes, wine, face cream and nappies.
Officers closed roads to the beach to deter treasure-seekers and to allow contractors to start the clear-up operation, which is expected to begin at 0700 GMT on Wednesday. That meant people had to walk several miles to the beach but that did not deter about 200 scavengers who were rummaging through the cargo.
The numbers dwindled later after the beach was sealed off by a 100ft-long metal fence.
Mark Rodaway, the Acting Receiver of Wreck, said the "despicable" behaviour of scavengers had persuaded him that special powers dating back to the Merchant Shipping Act 1854 were needed to force people to return goods.
"Personal belongings, not goods for sale, were being rifled through and strewn on the beach.
"I would ask anyone to reflect quietly on how they would feel if that was their belongings.
"From what I witnessed it was clear that there was no intent to store safely or record goods with the appropriate authorities, as such we will be utilising legislation available to prevent people removing more goods and if necessary using the law to prosecute people through the courts."
