THIEVES raided Borders properties over the weekend and stole expensive bicycles, say police.

Peebles premises have now been targeted twice in under a week.

Five properties were hit this weekend, say police, with offenders overcoming "significant" security measures in some cases.

A police spokesperson said: "It is also clear that thieves specifically targeted these properties knowing of the potential pay-off."

On May 20, thefts were carried out at a number of properties at South Parks Industrial Estate and Glentress.

Following the latest raids, officers have issued extra security advice (see below).

Police advice

• Install a shed/garage alarm that will give an audible signal of intruders (low-cost, battery-operated PIR alarms are commonly available)

• Don’t advertise your expensive bikes on social media

• Make your profiles private so only friends can see your rides

• Don’t advertise your home address

• Don’t list makes and models on GPS apps

• Use privacy zone features on GPS apps to create an exclusion zone around your home address

• If possible remove bike carriers/roof racks from cars when not using them

• Consider fitting a tracking device / bike alarm

• If you can’t keep expensive bikes in your house then keep your garage or shed doors closed and locked at all times. Use high-quality ‘Sold Secure’ locks and fixings to deter/slow down thieves

• Register and security mark your bikes with a national cycle database such as Bikeregister http://ow.ly/lRot50zPc86

• Security lighting can also help deter potential thieves

• If you think that you may be being followed or watched by potential thieves whilst out and about with your bike, note descriptions of vehicles (inc. reg no.) / suspects and call us on 101 to report it (999 in an emergency)

More detailed advice is available on the Police Scotland website