CRIMINALS are targeting businesses and properties to steal copper and lead scrap metal according to police in the Borders.

In response officers have asked the public to consider what security measures they can put in place to stop this happening to them and have published the following advice on social media.

“Regularly review the perimeter security, checking fences and gates for any weak spots. Fix any defects immediately and keep gates locked so vehicles can’t drive in unnoticed.

“Consider planting shrubbery around your fence, minimising how much you can see from the outside. Trim it to around one metre high, with any trees no lower than two metres.

“Keep wheelie bins, shopping trolleys, ladders or wheelbarrows out of sight – they can be used to move stolen metal or access areas of vulnerability.

“If a building is vacant inform appropriate agencies and ask neighbours to be vigilant and report suspicious activity.

“Secure mark items of high value, use CCTV, signs, alarms and lighting.

“If metal theft does take place try to replace stolen items with alternative non-metal materials to make sure it can’t happen again.”