POLICE in the Scottish Borders have issued security advice to householders following recent break ins to properties in the region.

Over the weekend two incidents were reported in Peebles and another in West Linton.

And on Sunday November 5 houses were broken into in Galashiels and St Boswells.

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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Having your home broken into is not common.

“There are however many ways that you can help secure your home. They don’t all cost money – some are common sense and good housekeeping.

“First, think about basic good housekeeping routines that aren’t expensive.

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“Keep your home locked at all times

“Many thieves do not need to break in at all because a door or window has been left open or unlocked

“Don’t leave keys on the inside of door locks, under mats or anywhere else they can be easily found

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“If you have a ‘thumb turn’ lock on the inside of a door, ensure that it cannot be accessed from outside

“Don't put your name or room number on your keyring if you live in shared accommodation, if it is lost or stolen, the thief will have information that could direct them there

“Don’t keep house keys and car keys on the same key ring

“Don't keep a lot of cash in the house

“Mark your property with a UV marker pen or Security DNA marking Kit - these can be bought online or in some stores

“Look for the Secured By Design accreditation on the product and register - you can place an invisible imprint of your postcode and house number on your possessions

“You can record and register details of your valuables, serial numbers and features or marks, on devices on the national mobile property register on the immobilise website - this includes mobile phones, cameras, laptops and tablets

“Don’t leave valuables where they can be seen through a window - for example, around the tree at Christmas time

“If you have a wall calendar, avoid having it shown near a window from where appointments can be seen - people may see when there will be no one in.”