metal detectors
sort of answers the question.........yawn
[broken link removed]
"Since 1930, under the National Monuments Act, the excavation, export, and the conservation of archaeological objects has been regulated by license. The act also required all archaeological finds to be reported to the national museum. By the 1970's, Ireland had the same problem as Britain, and the law didn't work well due to metal detection and a new trade in looted artifacts found by treasure hunters. However, Ireland has had better results in combating these problems. In 1987, it became illegal to search for archaeological objects with a metal detector and other electronic detecting devices. In addition, it also became an offense to dive on a site or wreck older than 100 years without a license. A ban on certain magazines and newsletters which promote treasure hunting was also instituted. Presently, Ireland has an immensely strong legislative framework that allows museums to call the police and other state agencies and to threaten looters unless they come clean about antiquities they have looted. "