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The article comments on the archaeological debate on the use of metal-detectors to recover archaeological objects. It explains the anti- and pro-metal-detecting views. It discusses the reason the hobby of metal-detecting gets a worse press. It presents information on a Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales.

The article focuses on "nighthawking," the illegal use of metal detectors on private or protected sites in Great Britain. English Heritage reported on a study that found treasure hunters target protected areas repeatedly, causing a loss of cultural property and archaeological treasures without context. Private property owners tend to handle the situations directly, which causes the thefts to be largely under-reported.

The article discusses the release of details surrounding the plundering of ten archaeological sites in England including Richborough, Kent and Thurnham Castle. The release follows the June 25, 2008 prosecution of Mark Staples who is the first person to be charged under the 1979 Archaeological Areas and Ancient Monuments Act.