Police probe farm thefts as reward offered for return of stolen laptop
Last updated 28th May 2026
Detectives are appealing for information following a series of thefts from farms in the Scottish Borders.
Between 8pm last night (Wednesday) and 8.30am this morning, a green and white horse box was stolen from a farm, just off the B6399 near Hermitage, south of Hawick.
Around the same time, a black Vauxhall Antara - registration PE62 XAF; a red Suzuki quad bike and Milwaukee power tools were stolen from another farm in the same area.
A green Yamaha quad bike - registration PX74 WBF - was also stolen from a farm in the Newcastleton area.
Police say enquiries are ongoing and officers are treating the thefts as linked.
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Detective Constable Megan Shiel said: “Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible for these thefts and I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in these areas at the time of the thefts, to contact police.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the stolen car or quad bikes, or who may have dash-cam footage from the areas around the time of the incidents.
“I would also urge those in rural communities to ensure vehicles, outbuildings and farm properties are secured, and that keys are kept in a safe place and out of sight.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland 101, quoting incident number 0777 of May 28th. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Meanwhile, a fisherman is offering a £1000 reward for the safe return of a laptop with "irreplaceable" family photos, which was stolen when his car was broken into at Manor Bridge, near Peebles.
It was one of two vehicles targeted - with both windows smashed and bags taken, sometime on Wednesday, between 1.30pm and 4.30pm.
Posting online, Adam Houston said: "The laptop itself can be replaced. What can't be replaced are the family photos saved on it. They mean everything to us and no amount of money brings those memories back.
"We're offering a £1000 reward for the safe return of the laptop. No questions asked.
"If you have it, found it, or know where it ended up, please send me a message here on Facebook. You can hand it in or leave it somewhere and let me know, completely anonymously if that's easier."
He added: "The bridge is a busy spot for walkers, so if you were in the area during that time and saw anything, or have dashcam footage from the road nearby, please message me too. Even a small detail could help."
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