Horsebox owner says seeing stolen vehicle used in Peebles bank raid was ‘completely surreal’
GoFundMe appeal for replacement has raised more than £1,500
Last updated 1st Oct 2026
The owner of a horsebox stolen in the hours leading up to a ram raid on the Royal Bank of Scotland in Peebles says it was “completely surreal” seeing footage of it being used to help thieves escape with two cash machines.
Video shared online showed the roof had been ripped off the trailer to allow a telehandler – also believed to have been stolen – to load the ATMs onboard.
It was then towed away by a grey Isuzu D-Max pick-up.
Reuben Sterricks – who has represented the Royal Burgh at the region’s Common Ridings, after being appointed Cornet in 2024 - revealed he only bought the trailer earlier this year and had invested time and money “getting it right”.
“When I first found out the horsebox had been stolen I was absolutely gutted," he told Greatest Hits Radio.
“I had so many thoughts going through my head, but I don’t think anything could have prepared me for then seeing footage of it being used to steal the cash machines in Peebles.
“It was completely surreal seeing something that belonged to me being used in something like that.
“I only bought the box earlier this year and I’d put quite a lot of money and work into getting it right.
“I use it probably three times a week to get out with my horse, whether that’s going for lessons, travelling for the common ridings or just heading out into the countryside; so losing it has had quite a big impact on me."
He continued: “It’s been recovered, but it’s badly damaged, and because it’s part of the police investigation I don’t know when I’ll actually get it back or exactly what condition it’s in.”
A crowd funder has been set up to help Reuben find a replacement horsebox, and has already raised more than £1,500.
It was set-up by friend Loryn Paterson, who also played a leading role in the town’s Beltane celebrations, after being appointed Cornet’s Lass in 2018.
“Anyone who knows Reuben will know this wasn’t a horsebox sitting in a yard gathering dust," she said.
“He uses it a lot during the a week to get out with his pride and joy. Whether that’s out for a lesson, doing the common rides or simply loading up and heading out to enjoy our beautiful countryside.
“It’s his freedom, his escape and a massive part of something he loves doing. And suddenly he doesn’t have it.
“After everything he had already spent on this box, Reuben simply isn’t in a position to go out and replace it.
“He’d never ask people for money himself, which is precisely why I’ve decided to ask for him.”
The Royal Bank of Scotland has reopened its branch in Peebles, following the raid.
Customers had to travel to Galashiels to access their cash while the town centre building was made safe.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the suspects and police are appealing for the public’s help to catch them.
“The response and kindness from people has been quite overwhelming,” Reuben added, referring to the GoFundMe page, “and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s donated or shared it.”
To read more, or donate, click here.
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