Rural Watch - Friday update 10/07/2026

Afternoon all, 

Happy Friday! 

Gosh it’s been a hot week! I hope you’re all enjoying the sunshine and managing to get some sleep at night. I’m off work and at home today trying to catch up on some paperwork. It’s taken me over an hour to write my update to you all as I keep being distracted by my toddler and my Labrador fighting over who’s getting to sit in the paddling pool! 

Firstly, I apologise for my terrible spelling/grammar in my last email. I’m now writing my message on word first, but I look forward to you all letting me know, even with this measure, I’m still a terrible speller. Guilty as charged! 

Now to business, we’ve sadly had a very challenging week this week with an unusually high amount of crime across our division. 

PEEBLES 

Last weekend after I wrote to you all, Peebles had a very serious incident at the campsite at Glentress whereby a member of staff was attacked and sustained terrible injuries. Our thoughts remain with the victim and the local community of Peebles as they come to terms with the impact of this incident.

Please be assured that this matter is a top priority for the division and my colleagues in the CID are working very hard to identify who is responsible. As such, you will have noticed a significant increase in patrols around Peebles and Glentress, particularly at nighttime when the criminality has been occurring.

The criminals are targeting owners of high value pedal cycles.

My colleagues from the Borders have been assisting in speaking with local businesses, campsites and B&B’S, in and around the area, to ensure pedal cycles are being locked and stored securely. 

Me and my team, popped into Glentress on Thursday to speak with staff and visitors on pedal cycle safety and security. We were lucky enough to have some kits from BikeRegister, so thank you to everyone who stopped to speak with us and get your bike marked! It was lovely to have the opportunity to speak with so many people on such a beautiful day.

A special thank you to Alpine Bikes Glentress, who allowed us to use the outside of their premises to set up our table and get some shade from the sun. We are very grateful! 

I’m aware many of you will be very worried about the security of your own pedal cycle given this crime series. Please ensure your locking and storing your pedal cycle securely at any time when it is not in use and keeping it out of sight.

If you sadly missed out on getting your bike marked. Please don’t worry, you can do this yourself by visiting bikeregister.com and ordering the kit. It’s incredibly simple and a fantastic way to register your bike should it be stolen or lost, it’s the first thing Police check if we come across a pedal cycle. 

SCOTTISH BORDERS 

Several homes, business and farms where targeted by criminals who broke into sheds on their properties by cutting padlocks and stealing items from within. The items stolen where hand and power tools, pressure washers and alcohol. Police are treating these thefts as related and most likely conducted by the same criminals due to the method of entry into each. 

As far as I know, there unfortunately appears to be no CCTV at this time. Should any further information about the suspects become known I will let you all know. In the meantime, as always, please remain vigilant, and contact Police should you have any further information. 

EAST LOTHIAN 

A further break-in to a secure unit where copper was stolen from within. Again, please continue to be vigilant. If you are a business or homeowner and storing large amounts of copper on your premises, please reach out to me and we can discuss security on the premises. 

WEST LOTHIAN 

A building site was targeted whereby a road roller and trailer where stolen from the site. A male suspect in a white van was observed on CCTV at the site whilst the theft took place. If you have any additional information that can assist please contact Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.

Not the news I wished to bring you all on a sunny Friday afternoon. Please be assured, Police are working incredibly hard to investigate these matters, to bring those to justice and patrol your areas. 

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. I’m very much looking forward to the Dalkeith show tomorrow. Please remember to stop by and say hello. You are welcome to mock me for my ridiculously large sheep worrying sign that I accidently ordered larger than an actual sheep. 

I have livestock worrying signs for your fences and “stop me” stickers for your vehicles. First come first served! I will also have these with me at the future events. 

If you also have friends and family who would like my Friday email but struggle to sign up to Rural watch using the QR code, I will be there to help those the old fashioned way, with pen and paper, and I can sign you up when I get back to the office. 

Take care everyone,

PC Robyn Hanna