Councillor 'very concerned' following reports of latest farm thefts
Last updated 17th Jul 2026
Concerns are being raised about rural crime in the Scottish Borders following reports of more thefts overnight.
A Honda quad bike and tools have been stolen from Greenhead Farm near Selkirk, while a white Peugeot van - registration MD18 LXE - was also taken from nearby Clarilawmuir - with lights spotted on the farm shortly after midnight.
It's understood a van stolen from Scott Crescent in Selkirk, where an attempt was made to force open another vehicle, was found set alight at Greenhead Farm.
In an update this evening, police say the quad bike was recovered a short time later and enquiries are ongoing.
It comes just days after a brown Mitsubishi pick-up, a blue Yamaha quad bike and a grey horsebox were stolen during a break-in at Yair Farm on Tuesday.
Several Milwaukee power tools were also stolen after entry was forced to a shed in the Duns area, according to the latest Rural Watch update.
It follows a series of similar raids in which padlocks were cut, with pressure washers and alcohol also taken.
In a statement shared on social media, Selkirkshire councillor Caroline Cochrane said: "Unfortunately, this is the latest in a number of thefts affecting our rural communities. These incidents have a significant impact on local farmers, businesses and residents."
And she added: "I would urge everyone to remain vigilant. If you notice any suspicious vehicles, people or activity, please report it to Police Scotland."
READ MORE: Boy, 7, taken to hospital following crash on A68 at St Boswells
Residents are reminded to call 101 to report non-emergency incidents or suspicious activity.
Anyone witnessing a crime in progress, or facing an immediate risk to life or property, should call 999.
Councillor Cochrane added: "Let’s continue to look out for one another and support our rural communities by reporting anything suspicious."
Meanwhile, police have revealed officers are conducting extensive trawls of CCTV and forensic examinations following a report a member of staff was attacked and "sustained terrible injuries", while trying to stop a masked gang stealing bikes, at a campsite in Glentress in the early hours of July 4th.
PC Robyn Hanna said: "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 night-time, when the criminality has been occurring."
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/