History could "be lost forever" unless people take a more proactive approach in protecting it, a senior museum representative has said.

Three Rivers Museum, in High Street, Rickmansworth, is one of 13 historical sites which is protected by Heritage Watch.

Heritage Watch was launched by Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire County Council and was supported by Historic England, previously known as English Heritage.

The scheme aims to protect thousands of historical sites and monuments across Hertfordshire by boosting communication between people who live near historic sites and the police.

Heritage crime can include architectural theft, criminal damage and unauthorised excavation and metal detecting.

But a senior representative of Three Rivers Museum Trust has urged people to “take a more proactive approach” in protecting history.

Les Mead, vice chairman of the Three Rivers Museum Trust said: “Heritage sites and old buildings need to be protected for future generations to enjoy and learn about the county's great historical achievements and it’s good to learn about the past and the experiences of the older generations.

“The Heritage Watch scheme is admirable in its aims to protect our history by combating crime and anti-social behaviour and we are very happy to continue to support it. Unless people take a more proactive approach to protecting our history then there is a danger of it being lost forever.”

Other protected sites across south west Hertfordshire include St Mary’s Church in Watford and St Albans Abbey in St Albans.