A SERIAL thief who stole over £1,000 worth of property from cars parked in Earlston has been jailed for 168 days.

At Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday, Sheriff Peter Paterson said he considered there was no alternative to custody as the accused was already carrying out a community pay back order.

John Campbell, of Fernieside Avenue, Edinburgh, admitted entering an insecure vehicle at Haughhead Road, Earlston, on December 28, and stealing power tools and bolt cutters worth £1,120.

The 24-year-old, who was on bail at the time, also admitted entering an insecure vehicle at Summerfield on the same date and stealing a satellite navigation device worth £130, and entering another insecure vehicle at Crown Crescent and stealing another device worth £100. All of the stolen property was recovered.

A warrant was granted for the arrest of co-accused John McMurray. The 20-year-old of Pilrig Street, Edinburgh, admitted forcing open a locked vehicle in Earlston Square on the same date and stealing power tools worth £1,550.

McMurray also admitted forcing open a locked vehicle at Summerfield and stealing an iPod worth £100, and entering an insecure vehicle at Crichton Drive, Pathhead on December 27/28 and stealing two iPods and headphones worth £150.