THE number of robberies in the Scottish Borders has shot up by 75 per cent over the last year, according to new government statistics.

The Recorded Crime in Scotland publication revealed that there were 21 robberies in the Borders in the year to June 2023, up from 12 in the previous year.

That meant robberies were at their highest level in more than five years.

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Scottish Borders MP, John Lamont puts the increase down to cuts in funding for frontline police officers.

He said: “There has been a worrying increase in the number of robberies in the Borders over the last year.

“Police officers go to incredible efforts to prevent crime and catch offenders, but these shocking figures make it clear that they need more resources. 

“The SNP Government has cut funding for frontline officers and forced them to do more with less.

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“I will raise this troubling rise in robberies with police services at the next available opportunity, and I hope the government will give officers the funding to stop more of these crimes happening in the first place.”

The Scottish Government responded by pointing out that it has increased police funding year-on-year since 2016-17 and that crime is at one of its lowest levels in nearly 50 years.

A spokesperson said: “Over the past 10 years the number of robberies in the Borders has been between 7 and 23, and so small fluctuations in numbers will lead to a large statistical change.

“Recorded crime in Scotland remains at one of its lowest levels in nearly 50 years, and the number of robberies in the Borders remains low.

“Despite difficult financial circumstances due to UK Government austerity, the Scottish Government has increased police funding year-on-year since 2016-17, investing more than £11.6 billion since the creation of Police Scotland in 2013, including £1.45 billion in 2023-24.”