The UK is fortunate in having a large number of organisations which are dedicated to the preservation of its cultural heritage. For example public bodies such as English Heritage, Historic Scotland, CADW, the Museums and Galleries Commission, and Historic Royal Palaces and organisations such as the National Trust, Historic Houses Association and National Churchwatch.

CoPAT was established in 1992 and is now a registered charity in the UK. Its intention is to promote crime prevention in the fields of art, antiques, antiquities and architecture. Its members are drawn from law enforcement, the crime prevention field, heritage organisation, historic house owners, the insurance industry and the arts trade.

Art, antiques, antiquities and architectural items are all potential targets for thieves. In January 1998 the first Confidential Crime and Intelligence Digest (CCID) was published by the Council for the Prevention of Art Theft(CoPAT). Its purpose is to distribute information about thefts of works of art and antiques from museums, heritage propeties, churches and private houses.
Each CCID provides details of the time and place of thefts, the method used, descriptions of any objects stolen and the details of any people or vehicles thought to have been involved.

CoPAT is also developing an Art Crime Intelligence Database to record and distribute information about thefts or attempted thefts of art and antiques, criminal damage and suspicious activity. The database is intended to make available information on thefts and also statistics regarding crimes involving art or antiques. In addition it will also provide information for those who are responsible for the security of collections in order to better protect such objects.

In March 1999, CoPAT gained the support of both the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in its launching of the Codes of Due Dilligence for auctioneers and antique dealers. The code is intended to be followed to prevent the unwitting buying or selling of stolen objects. Every police force in England and Wales now has a Due Dilligence Officer whose responsiblity it is to liase with other police forces and the arts trade.