POLICE probing a spate of tool thefts from works vans across the Borders have carried out a number of raids in Northumberland.

Around a dozen works vans were hit by thieves in Jedburgh during one night midway through January.

And the thieves have returned to the town several times since with thousands of pounds worth of tools being taken.

Similar thefts have taken place across Hawick and Selkirk just last month.

Officers were joined by CID and members of the Community Action Team on Thursday to swoop on several addresses in the north of England.

Although no arrests have yet been made, investigations are continuing.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland told us: "We attended at various addresses in the north of England to execute search warrants against individuals believed to be responsible and positive lines of enquiry are being followed up.

"Local residents are asked to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious vehicles or persons that they see."

Works vans and rural properties have also been targeted in and around Peebles, Earlston and Innerleithen in recent months.

Chief Inspector Stuart Reid believes at least some of the thefts are down to cross-border raiders.

He said: "We are live to the intelligence that says we are being visited from travelling vehicles from across the border in particular, and we a have a roads vehicle which carries out patrols.”