A COUNCIL-FUNDED police team has carried out three “successful” drug searches in Hawick and Kelso in recent weeks.

Tweeddale East councillor Julie Pirone, of the Conservatives, said that the activities of the Community Action Team (CAT) are “generating positive results.”

Rural acquisitive crime, drugs, anti-social behaviour and speeding continue to be the main focus for the officers involved with the group.

Ms Pirone, chair of the CAT Oversight Group, said: “The ongoing activities of the Community Action Team continue to help tackle a range of issues in our communities which matter to people. This coordinated work is now generating positive results.

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“Due to the rural nature of the Borders and our geography, with a number of significant cross-border and cross-country routes in and out of the area, acquisitive crime is a real challenge and I am pleased that more action is planned over the coming weeks and months.

“It is essential that members of the public also play their part in helping to stamp out criminal behaviour and report suspicious activity immediately and provide as much information to the police as possible.”

Further cross-border action involving multiple police forces is taking place this month to prevent and detect rural crime, particularly thefts of equipment.

Meanwhile, engagement activities with young people in Galashiels and Peebles are said to have had a positive impact on the number of reports of anti-social behaviour received.

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The CAT, a policing resource of two teams of seven officers funded by Scottish Borders Council, will also continue to target speeding near schools and at other locations within built-up areas where there is ‘evidence of a collision history where injuries have been sustained’.

It follows the latest meeting of the CAT Oversight Group – a monthly gathering between a group of cross-party councillors, council officers and Police Scotland’s CAT sergeants to agree priority tasks for the coming month.

Community feedback is used as part of the tasking process.

To report a crime, call 999 in an emergency. Use 101 or the Police Scotland website for non-emergency issues.

To anonymously report suspicious activity or crimes call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.