POLICE in the Scottish Borders are urging the public to be vigilant following a number of ‘slip in’ thefts in the region recently.

And officers say that they want to reassure the public that patrols are being carried out and that officers are in the area.

In response to the thefts, officers are advising residents to ensure all doors and windows are locked when they leave their house.

And also to ensure that any vehicles, garages and outbuildings are adequately secured.

In addition officers say that they want the public to report any suspicious behaviour, vehicles or people to Police Scotland on 101.

Other crime prevention tips include:  

Keep your home locked at all times, don’t leave keys on the inside of door locks, under mats or anywhere else they can be easily found and don't put your name or room number on your keyring if you live in shared accommodation if it is lost or stolen, the thief will have information that could direct them there.

Don’t keep house keys and car keys on the same key ring, don't keep a lot of cash in the house and mark property with a UV marker pen or Security DNA marking Kit - these can be bought online or in some stores

Don’t leave valuables where they can be seen through a window and if you have a wall calendar, avoid having it shown near a window from where appointments can be seen - people may see when there will be no one in.