Following a spate of hoax 999 calls over the last few months from a public phone box in Kenilworth Road, Burnfoot, Hawick, officers from the Scottish Borders Community Action Team (CAT) have been on high-visibility patrols.

The CAT consist of two teams of officers funded by Scottish Borders Council on top of the authorised Police Scotland strength.

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These officers are tasked by the SBC to concentrate on quality of life issues affecting local communities.

Police Sergeant Dale Hadden of the community action team said: “Hoax calls cost lives. “Every false or inappropriate call takes up precious time of the emergency services and prevents someone who needs immediate help from getting it.

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“We take a dim view of anyone who carries out this type of behaviour, and we will continue to treat such calls seriously and pursue those responsible.”