POLICE have warned building firms and farms to continue to be wary of machinery thefts, after a stolen mini digger was recovered in Strathclyde.
The Volvo model was taken between January 13 and 16 from Guards Road, Coldstream before being tracked down on January 19.
A 31-year-old man from Motherwell has been charged with theft and a report sent to the procurator fiscal.
Detective Inspector Grant Dougall said: “Theft of plant machinery is becoming an increasing concern not only locally, but across the force area.
“I am delighted on this occasion that within a matter of days we have recovered the vehicle and returned it to its owner.”
Inspector Dougall said that owners should properly secure machinery to minimise the chances of it being stolen.
He added: “I would also encourage the public to contact police should they see any persons acting suspiciously within or near to building sites or farmland or should they observe plant machinery or agricultural machinery being driven on our roads at unusual hours of the day or night.”
•Any person wishing to report suspicious behaviour can do so by contacting Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131.