POLICE in the Scottish Borders have issued a fresh warning for people to be on their guard against metal thieves, writes Bob Burgess
The rising price of scrap metal has led to a farms, industrial yards, building sites and domestic properties being targeted.
Details have just been released by police about the theft of lead from a sculpture at Allanton, near Duns in Berwickshire.
A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: “We have seen an increase in this type of crime over the past year due to the increasing worldwide value of metal.
“We are appealing for local people to be vigilant and to ensure that items are locked away. We would also ask that anyone seen acting suspiciously is reported to us as soon as possible.”
The Allanton raid is thought to have taken place overnight Thursday into Friday last week.
Anyone with any information can contact Hawick police station on 01450 375051 or Duns police station on 01361 882222.