Vehicles stolen during Borders break-ins, as police probe series of suspicious fires
Police say they're investigating reports of housebreakings in a Borders community hit by a series of suspicious fires.
Vehicles have been taken from the properties in Stow and Lauder in the last two days after the thieves gained entry and stole the keys.
It comes as police continue to probe a series of suspected arson attacks in the area - with around 350 bales of hay and a thatched hut destroyed in four separate fires in less than a fortnight.
Around 30 cattle had to be rescued from the latest blaze at Stagehall Farm in Stow on Monday night.
Local farmer Nigel Miller said: “Had it not been for my neighbour (raising the alarm), the consequences could have been catastrophic.”
READ MORE: Stow farmer speaks out following series of suspicious fires
Two other farm fires were reported off Earlston Road, on the opposite side of the village; while another was recorded at Wooplaw Woods - halfway between Stow and Lauder.
Crews from Lauder and Galashiels attended the most recent fire at Stagehall Farm. Mr Miller added: “Fire crews looked at the pattern of the flames as a line across the front of the building, indicating that an accelerant may have been used such as petrol. However, this is difficult to determine.”
Meanwhile, a suspicious vehicle has been reported "apparently paying particular attention to farm buildings" in the Jedburgh area this morning (Wednesday).
The 13-plate red Nissan Qashqai had two men inside.
Police are urging anyone who sees the vehicle to contact them immediately by dialling 101 or 999.
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