AN APPEAL has been launched following "a spate of thefts and attempted thefts" in the Borders.

Police say the incidents happened at rural properties in the Bemersyde and Hawick areas.

They received five separate reports overnight on Thursday (June 3) into Friday.

A police spokesperson said: "The Borders has suffered a spate of thefts and attempted thefts from rural properties including farms and stables and a property in Hawick."

Officers say people acting suspiciously were captured on CCTV at a rural property near Bemersyde; a shed and shipping container were broken into at farm near Hawick; a quad bike and off-road motorbike were stolen from a rural property near Bemersyde; entry was forced to a stable near Hawick and entry was forced to a garage in Sunnyhill Road, Hawick.

The police spokesperson added: "If you saw any suspicious activity in these areas or have any information relating to these crimes please call 101.

"Alternatively information can be passed completely anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"We recommend multiple levels of security to deter, delay and detect thieves. Our top four tips are:

• Install an alarm system where valuable items are kept (this could be e.g. a CCTV system that sends alerts to your phone) .

• Don’t leave keys in or near quad bikes

• Secure the building valuables are stored in

• Install trackers on quads

"We are currently offering a free SelectaDNA forensic marking kit and signage as part of a bespoke pack containing up to date advice and information on rural crime prevention methods.

"Any rural business / property that would like a crime prevention visit and/or a kit and pack can use the contact us form on the Police Scotland website.

"Other recommendations include good quality LED lighting; CCTV and signage; driveway and shed alarms; forensic security marking and signage; secure shed and barn doors with quality locks; park vehicles in front of shed doors at night; high-quality chains and ground or wall anchors to secure quad bikes, trackers on vehicles.

"Please report any suspicious activity to us immediately via 101 or 999 if ongoing; including any details of vehicles and persons involved."