Rural Watch Update - 23/10/2026

Rural Watch Update - 23/10/2026

Good afternoon all, 

I hope you’re all keeping the very best. 

A very busy week and a few things to update you all on. 

Firstly, as part of Police Scotland’s darker nights campaign, I will be carrying out visits across the Lothian and Borders, giving home and farm security advice over the next few weeks. I will make sure I’m armed with lots of bits and bobs including leaflets, cold caller door stickers, neighbourhood watch stickers and livestock worrying signs. Can I help you? If you would like a visit or you are a community lead and would benefit from some Police Scotland goodies to hand to your watch members, please get in touch by emailing me back and I will do my very best to get to you. This project is still in the planning phase, and more dates/areas will be added soon. 

Fri 30th Oct – Tweeddale Ward 

Tue 3rd Nov – Galashiels & District 

Weds 4th Nov - Leaderdale & Melrose Ward 

Mon 9th Nov – Selkirkshire 

Mon 16th – Fri 20th November – East and Mid Lothian (I will confirm specific wards closer to the time)

This week has been ‘National E-bike week’ for Police and partners to come together to tackle the illegal use of e-bikes. You may have received my additional email, seeking your assistance in providing any information you have on such activities. Many of you have already reached out on this channel and I thank you for your assistance. Police need your on-going assistance to tackle this problem effecting all our communities. With your information, we can carry out intelligence led operations to retrieve the offending bikes and bring those using them to account for their actions. If you have any knowledge of who is using these bikes and where they are stored, please contact Police or Crimestoppers anonymously. 

In other news, I had a meeting with the Borders Heritage site officer discussing on-going concerns over the Greyfriars Garden in Jedburgh. In short, the various pieces of sandstone that protrude from the gravel path have been vandalised by smashing larger pieces of stone against them. These pieces of stone are part of the protected site and it’s essential we work together to ensure we have the site for futures to enjoy. As we go into the darker nights, can I please ask residents to assist with our patrols by keeping a closer eye on the site. If you are nipping into the Co-op to get your shopping, keep an ear out and please report any concerning/suspicious behaviour to Police. Thank you. 

Business News 

Scottish Borders 

A sheep worrying incident occurred in the Selkirk area where the sheep sadly succumbed to its injuries. Enquiries are still on-going. 

Mid Lothian 

A red coloured Honda 420 quad bike has been stolen from an outbuilding. The hinges of the door have been forced, gaining entry to the outbuilding where the bike was stored. Unfortunately, there is no CCTV footage at the property.  

East + West Lothian 

No business news

Thank you for reading and have a lovely weekend. 

Take care, 

PC Robyn Hanna