A 29-year-old man has been accused of committing 23 offences in the Galashiels and Hawick areas in just over a fortnight.

Stuart McCutcheon appeared in private at Jedburgh Sheriff Court charged with various housebreakings, thefts and thefts from motor vehicles.

He also faces charges of driving while disqualified and with no insurance.

The 23 offences are alleged to have been committed between March 23 and April 10.

McCutcheon of Beech Avenue, Galashiels, made no plea and his case was continued for further examination.

He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court again next week.

Following the court case Detective Sergeant Barry Roebuck said there was a dedicated specialist unit working in the Borders to safeguard homes and property.

He said:"We will thoroughly investigate all instances of housebreakings and associated crimes in our effort to detect offenders and hold them to account.

"I would remind members of the public to ensure they lock their vehicles and properties to prevent further offences from occurring."