GALASHIELS has been named as one of the safest places in the UK when it comes to car thefts, according to new research.

The data, released by comparison site MoneySuperMarket, looked at 5.8m car insurance enquiries over the last five years.

And it shows the Borders town is the fourth safest in Britain with 1.15 thefts per 1,000 enquiries – behind Kirkwall (0.55), Inverness (0.81) and Perth (1.11).

Meanwhile, Ilford in London was revealed to be the UK's hotspot for car thefts.

Dave Merrick, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “When comparing car insurance quotes, providers will take your location into account which may impact the cost of your premiums."