A suspicious vehicle has been reported to us in the Hawick and Selkirk area on Tuesday 10th December 2024 where 3 males were seen in a red Ford Tipper van and removed a tumble dryer from the front garden at Lanton Place, Hawick.  It was later seen loaded with scrap metal in Raeburn Meadow, Selkirk.

                                           (Not the actual vehicle – For illustration purpose)

The vast majority of these individuals are not licenced to collect scrap metal in the Scottish Borders. They are required to have an itinerant Metal Dealers licence issued by a Scottish Local Authority. Whilst they are driving around the area, they are also scoping out opportunities to return at a later date to steal attractable items that are not safely secured. 

Please ensure that you do not leave valuable items left unattended and they are locked away in a shed or garage or secured with a padlock and chain. Always buy the best quality lock you can afford and look out for those that have been endorsed as ‘Sold Secure’ or ‘Secured by Design.’

If you see this vehicle or any others acting suspiciously near your property, please call us IMMEDIATELY via 101 or 999 if ongoing; note as much detail as possible including vehicle type, colour, registration number, description of person involved and direction of travel.