“IF you are a victim of crime, don’t hesitate to contact us – we are here to help and bring those responsible to justice.”
That was the New Year message from the police in the Borders, after a series of opportunist thefts in the High Croft area of Kelso over the festive period.
Apart from issuing an appeal for witnesses, a police spokesman warned householders across the region that they must ensure their properties are properly secured at all times.
“If doors remain unlocked, windows are ajar and purses, handbags or other valuable items are left on open display, it only takes seconds for these people to enter an unsecured property or smash a window,” he said. “We are committed to reducing crime and providing reassurance to our communities.”
All the Kelso thefts were discovered last Wednesday morning when the householders awoke.
At Dyers Court, a Samsung mobile phone, an iPod Nano and £300 in cash were stolen.
At another unsecured property, in Clappers Court, a Sony PS3 Acer internet tablet, a Samsung laptop computer and a black purse were taken, while in Mercer Court, the thief or thieves fled with a black iPod.
“We would particularly like to speak to anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously in the area or who has since been offered these stolen goods at reduced prices,” added the spokesman.
Meanwhile, police have renewed their appeal for information about a break-in at J. C. Douglas Quality Butchers in Main Street, St Boswells, early on Christmas Eve when a large amount of money, understood to be several thousand pounds, was stolen from the shop.
Anyone with information regarding the incident or who remembers seeing anything suspicious is asked to call 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers, in confidence and with anonymity assured, on 0800 555 111.