A NEW police chief has been appointed in the Borders.

Vincent Fisher has taken on the role of area commander after Stuart Reid was promoted to detective superintendent.

And Mr Fisher recently met MP John Lamont and MSP Rachael Hamilton, who raised concerns over coronavirus restrictions and rising crime.

The latest Scottish Government figures show the number of recorded incidents in the region in November was up 25 per cent on the same month last year.

A total of 312 crimes were recorded in that period, compared to 249 in November 2019.

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Mr Lamont, MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, said: “It was great to welcome the new chief inspector to his role. He started off his policing career in the Borders and knows our area well.

“There has been a lot of concern recently from local residents about policing of coronavirus restrictions and it was great to hear about the great work that officers are doing to keep us safe, whilst allowing people to go about their business.

“Despite lockdown, crime has sadly continued in the Borders over the past year. I know that there are still concerns about anti-social behaviour and drug crimes.

“The officers of the local Community Action Team, funded by Scottish Borders Council, have done some great work in challenging low-level crime in our area.

“I look forward to working with CI Fisher on more issues in 2021.”

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Mrs Hamilton, the MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, said it was “reassuring” to hear from Mr Fisher.

She added: “We discussed a range of other local crime issues and I was reassured by the chief inspector that officers are keeping people safe, even during lockdown.

“Coronavirus restrictions are obviously at the forefront of everyone’s mind at the moment.

"It was very reassuring to hear the work that Borders officers are doing to ensure compliance and help keep cases to a minimum.

“I know that CI Fisher wants to take a proactive approach with the local community and I will happily raise anyone’s issue with the police locally if they think there is something that could be improved.”