POLICE have reacted to a recent crime spree across Peeblesshire by organising two advice surgeries.

Thieves have stolen vehicles, jewellery and cash in continued raids at towns and villages in the area this year.

Retail premises in West Linton, Innerleithen and Peebles have all been targetted in the past three or four months.

And many houses in the area, including six properties in Peebles and Eddleston at the end of January, have been broken into during the same period.

More than a dozen high-value mountain bikes have also been stolen from vehicles and outbuildings.

Police Scotland and partner agencies will offer guidance and reassurance during next week's crime prevention events.

Representatives from agencies such as Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, Scottish Borders Safer Communities, Neighbourhood Watch, Victim Support and some private crime prevention companies will be on hand at the Police Scotland roadshows.

Inspector Tony Hodges, community inspector for the Peebles, Galashiels and Melrose areas, told the Peeblesshire News: “It is heartening that the communities in Tweeddale recognise the need to work alongside Police Scotland to make the area safer.

“Initiatives such as No Cold Caller Zones and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes have proven to reduce and prevent crime.

“It is hoped by staging these events we can assist residents with appropriate crime prevention advice and guidance as well as encouraging communities to look out for each other.”

The roadshows are aimed at stopping local residents becoming victims of crime with information and advice on offer to prevent housebreaking and bike theft, deter bogus callers, deal with anti-social behaviour and ensure personal safety.

Police Scotland's community officers and crime prevention officers will be on hand at the Peebles and West Linton events.

Anyone attending will also have the opportunity to subscribe to the free messaging system SBAlert which relays crucial information about crime and scams happening in the Borders.

Graham Jones, Scottish Borders Council's safer communities manager, added: “While recorded crime in the Scottish Borders is relatively low when compared to other parts of Scotland, dishonesty remains the most frequently occurring crime.

“Working in partnership, we are offering crime prevention advice to local communities which will include information on recent trends and practical ways to reduce the likelihood of having property stolen.

“By taking some relatively straightforward precautions and being vigilant it is possible to discourage those individuals who engage in criminal activity.

“I would encourage members of the community to take advantage of these events.”

The first event will take place in the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles on Tuesday, May 30 between 2pm and 8pm.

And then the roadshow will move onto West Linton Fire Station on Wednesday, May 31, also between 2pm and 8pm.