DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Bryan Burns, from the Borders CID, provides an update on policing in the region...

"We have mentioned it many times before, but it cannot be overstated the impact sextortion has on its victims and the importance of coming forward to police if you find yourself subject to this form of blackmail.

"For those who don’t know, sextortion is where an individual is engaged in conversation online by someone acting under false pretence and who convinces them to share intimate images or videos of themselves.

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"The victim is thereafter blackmailed to send some form of payment to the blackmailer, who claims they will make the images public, or send to family and friends.

"This offence remains prevalent throughout Scotland and I would urge Borders communities to be mindful of what they share online and with who.

"If you do find yourself in the situation where someone is threatening to release intimate content of you unless they receive payment, do not panic and do not pay. Contact police immediately so we can conduct the appropriate investigations.

"An emerging issue we have been dealing with in the Scottish Borders as of late is county lines offences. This is where criminals, or crime groups from outside the region move into the area to either run or expand their criminal enterprise.

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"Normally associated with county lines is the crime of cuckooing, where criminals manage to infiltrate the home of a person with vulnerabilities and through bullying, harassment and intimidation, are allowed to utilise their property as a base for their offending.

"We are working hard alongside local policing teams to identify those involved in such crimes within the Borders to bring them to justice and provide support to victims, particularly those who have been subject to cuckooing.

"However, the public have a vital role to play in supporting our investigations by reporting any suspicious activity they witness at the homes of vulnerable people within our communities.

"This could be frequent comings and goings by people not normally associated with the property, or the victim being regularly accompanied by unknown individuals who may be coercing them. Any suspicions you have should be reported to police immediately.

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"We have also been dealing with a number of high-value motor vehicle thefts following break-ins to homes across the Borders.

"While we will continue to use all resources at our disposal to identify those responsible and reunite the stolen vehicles with their rightful owners, we ask that the public take some appropriate security measures to help ensure they are safeguarded against falling victim.

"There is a range of really useful crime prevention advice on our website  and I would encourage anyone considering the security of their home to have a read."