Rural Watch Update - 10/11/2026

Rural Watch Update - 10/11/2026

Morning all, 

I hope you’re all keeping the very best. 

Apologies for the delay in my email this week. I have been very busy, touring around the Scottish Borders, popping in to say hello to many of you. A warm welcome to all our new members. 

Some excellent conversations have been had over the last week, raising various issues from thefts, anti-social behaviour, livestock worrying and the unauthorised use of off-road bikes on arable land. I was very fortunate to have on hand, two local community officers for the Lauder and Selkirkshire areas, who have made note of the concerns, and we look forward to putting plans in place. 

I was asked to share on this email, any new products on the market that could improve farm or home security. I must admit I am slightly wary. I wish to make it clear I am not trying to sell you anything or advertise. I can make you aware of what exists on the market, but you must conduct your own re-search in respect of brands, installation etc. I cannot provide any advice on this. As a crime prevention officer, I am trained to conduct surveys on properties and advise on ways to improve your overall security. As such, the items I discuss, would be ones I would recommend in such a report. If you are stuck on where to begin, Police always refer to Secure by Design website, who advertise Police approved products which have been thoroughly tested. 

On that, the first product I wish to make you aware of is infrared security beam (active infrared barrier). It uses a dedicated transmitter and receiver to project an invisible beam of light across a perimeter, driveway, or entryway. When a person, vehicle, or object breaks the line of sight, the receiver breaks its internal relay contact and triggers an alarm, siren, or gate stop. I have seen these been used at the entry way to farms, doorways, and internal structures (barns storing quads). There is quite a price difference between brands so worth doing your homework and finding one that would suit your needs. 

The only criticism I’ve had is fox’s crossing them at night time which has given owners a fright!

On to business news 

SCOTTISH BORDERS

A quad bike was stolen from an open farm shed in Hawick. Please keep your eyes peeled for a Red Suzuki King Quad 500. No suspect information known at this time. 

A thousand litre water thank has been stolen from a field in Reston, damaging crops in the process. Tyre marks could be seen dragging the tank away. No suspect information known. 

A secure shed was forced open in Jedburgh where their silver Volkswagen Amarok EL03MCN, IFORWILLIAMS trailer, Nilfisk Power washer, 2 x Husqvarna chain saws, Stihl petrol hedge cutter, 2 DeWalt Drills, 2 18L Petrol canisters and 2 x 5L Petrol canisters has been taken. Forensic enquiries are on-going, but no suspect information is currently known. 

WEST LOTHIAN 

A quad has been stolen from a farm in Blackridge. Discarded tools on the yard were used to force open the roller door and entry gained by the suspects. Once inside they manually opened the door, removing the quad and slashing the tyres of the owner’s vehicle. Forensic enquiries are on-going. Several male suspects observed wearing balaclavas. 

A further quad was stolen from a farm in Kirknewton whilst the occupant was away for the evening. No suspect information known at this time. 

MID LOTHIAN 

Scrap metal was stolen from a skip in Edinburgh College campus. Please keep your eyes peeled for suspect vehicle YP60GWY, a white Ford Transit.

EAST LOTHIAN 

No business news. 

Many thanks for reading. 

Take care, 

PC Robyn Hanna