CCTV urgently needed: Community council puts together a bid to fund security cameras

THE need for CCTV in Newcastleton to protect property is becoming urgent because of a recent spate of break-ins and thefts in the area.
The community council is now pushing to put together a bid to present to Scottish Borders Council’s area partnership for funding from its new community fund.
One quote for six cameras has been received and a second quote is being awaited.
It is proposed to put one camera each at the northern and southern ends of the village, two in Douglas Square, one pointing up Langholm Street and one by the Polysport.
Community feedback is needed and the council willtalk to the owners of the identified locations. A consultation will take place at the next meeting on June 18.
Greg Cuthbert said the first company would put hardware underground so a bit of road might need to be dug up. It would provide a team to do that.
Barbara Elborn, secretary, said: “We need a proposal to go to the area partnership in September.
“I believe this is a project for the community fund, given our rurality. We haven’t seen the community action team; they don’t visit regularly so we need CCTV.”
Stolen
In his report, PC Allan Paterson highlighted the level of thefts, particularly of quad bikes and tools, in the Borders.
He said: “On April 13 a quad bike was stolen from Hermitage Farm. The quad was seen driving through Newcastleton during the early hours followed by what appears to be an old-style Mitsubishi pick-up.
“On the 18th a quad bike was stolen from a secure shed at Acreknowe Farm, near Stobs, Hawick.
“The quad was seen and followed by a resident driving over the border at Scotch Kershope but they lost sight of it near the old Dog and Gun pub.
“A taskforce has been set up in Galashiels police station and officers are collating the quad and tool thefts in the Borders.
“Vans have also been entered in Jedburgh, linked to thefts of further quad bikes. A farm 4×4 pick-up was stolen from a farm on Carterbar.
“Evidence suggests the vehicles are coming west, either through the village or via Saughtree into Kielder. This is happening in southern Scotland and into Cumbria.
“A 4×4 vehicle, which was stolen from the Charlesfield industrial area, St Boswells, was recently recovered after being used for numerous thefts and other incidents in southern England.”
Mauled
PC Paterson said a poaching incident was reported at Fodderlee Farm near Bonchester Bridge.
The farmer found two dead badgers and two dead deer on his land. All animals had signs of having been mauled by dogs.
He said: “The carcasses have been taken to Science & Advice in Scottish Agriculture in Edinburgh for full post-mortem examinations and collection of DNA evidence.”
The community council resolved to ask Forestry Scotland to ensure the main access gates at Priesthill, Florida and Dykecrofts entrances were locked after reports about incidents in the forests.
Dangerous
PC Paterson told them that several calls from various addresses in the village had been made about children being chased through the woods, dangerous driving and threats being made.
He said: “Extensive enquiries were carried out and a male was cautioned and charged with various offences, including dangerous driving and a breach of the peace.
“A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”