TWO men have been arrested and charged in the Borders after allegedly stealing farm equipment worth £100,000.
Between December 2010 and November 2011, various rural properties in Lauder, Innerleithen, West Linton, Selkirk, Peebles and Biggar were targeted and a number of agricultural vehicles, tools and diesel were stolen.
The arrests follow an operation by Lothian and Borders Police to target rural thefts across the Borders.
The men aged 34 and 40 are scheduled to appear in court at a later date and officers are currently following a positive line of enquiry to identify another individual believed to be involved.
A police spokesman said: “The various vehicles, equipment and fuel stolen from rural areas across the Scottish Borders has had a significant impact on the farming community and Lothian and Borders Police are committed to bringing anyone responsible to justice.
“We engage closely with all members of the public as part of our Community Commitment pledge and the issue of rural thefts is a key concern for many.
“This ongoing operation is not only aimed at gathering intelligence on metal thieves, but on providing farm workers with appropriate crime prevention advice to ensure their property is safeguarded from criminals.
“We will continue to work alongside partner agencies and the communities we serve and anyone found to be involved in these crimes will be robustly dealt with.”
