A COUPLE who had their funeral car stolen in Galashiels at the weekend have praised the rapid response of police in locating the vehicle - and their Facebook friends.

Allan and Awdri Doyle, owners of A&A Doyle Funerals Ltd, noticed their car keys were missing from the family home in Lawyers Brae at 8.30am on Saturday morning. When they found that their Silver Mercedes E Class was also missing from its usual parking spot at Gala Terrace, they immediately alerted police – and friends on social media.

They were inundated with responses, and the car was eventually found just after 11pm on Saturday evening in Selkirk. At the time of going to print, the car is still with police and is undergoing forensic examination.

Posting on Facebook shortly after the car was found on Saturday evening, Awdri said.

“The power of Facebook - to all our Facebook friends old and new today Allan and I would like to say huge thank you to you all. Our car has now been found and appears to be safe and well. Our local police have been fantastic today. Spent a lot of time with us and responded very quickly to every piece of info you have given us.

“Feeling relieved and a bit overwhelmed by all your support.” Speaking to the Border Telegraph Allan said: Awdri and I were shocked to discover on Saturday morning that our keys and our car had been stolen from our home. The theft was immediately reported to the police and we are most grateful for their diligence in dealing with this.

“Details of the theft were also posted on our personal Facebook pages and on the Border Telegraph Facebook page. This prompted a number of people in Gala and Selkirk to contact us with information about the movements of the car after it was stolen and it’s ultimate location.

“We are very grateful for their assistance. Police inquiries are continuing and we would urge anyone who may have seen the car in Galashiels or Selkirk to contact the police.” Anyone with further information can contact Police Scotland on 01786 289070 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111