Update: Disappointed owner and staff vow to “get on with it” after Jedburgh shop burglary

A Borders businessman has been left counting the cost after thieves stole clothes worth more than £8,000 during a break-in this week.
Mark Fotheringham outside David Thomson and Son outfitters in Jedburgh.Mark Fotheringham outside David Thomson and Son outfitters in Jedburgh.
Mark Fotheringham outside David Thomson and Son outfitters in Jedburgh.

About 100 items of designer gear worth around £8,000 were taken during an early-morning raid at Jedburgh’s David Thomson and Son outfitters on Tuesday.

Alex Campbell, boss of David Thomson and Son for almost 60 years, has described the theft of designer jeans, T-shirts and knitwear, as well as the shop till, from his store as “disappointing”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The alarm company called me in the middle of the night, and I went down to the shop some time after 4am,” Mr Campbell, 74, said. “They had gotten in by smashing through the front door and the place was upside down.

Mark Fotheringham outside David Thomson and Son outfitters in Jedburgh.Mark Fotheringham outside David Thomson and Son outfitters in Jedburgh.
Mark Fotheringham outside David Thomson and Son outfitters in Jedburgh.

“They cleared a lot of Levis gear. It was all Tommy Hilfigger and Levi stuff they took. The till was away as well. It’s very disappointing.”

The shop, trading in Jedburgh’s High Street since 1883 and passed down through generations of Alex’s family, is an institution in the town and further afield in the Borders, offering tailoring services, kilt hire and men’s and women’s designer clothing.

“It’s disappointing to see this type of thing happening in this area, which is a peacable and respectable area,” Mr Campbell added.

“It’s not something we want to see continuing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I think there had been quite a bang during the night and one of the neighbours heard it.

Police reckon the alarm got them out of there quite quickly. They came with big industrial sacks to fill and they had to abandon them. They say they might only have been in there about four minutes.

“It must have been planned, and it’s a horrible thing to happen in Jedburgh.”

The shop, employing six staff, reopened for business just hours after police forensic teams had finished their inquiries.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s been quite a carry on, but you just have to get the better of it,” added Mr Campbell.

“The police have been outstanding. I can only compliment them, the burglar alarm firm, our insurance company and the local tradesmen who have repaired the door temporarily so quickly.

People have been quick to come into the shop saying how shocked they are about the break-in.

“Let’s hope Jedburgh gets the better of it and we don’t see any more of this. We are being positive and getting things back up and running again. You have to just get on with it.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and information.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Detective constable Sandy Blacklock, of Galashiels police station, said: “This break-in has affected a well-established and popular business which has been at the heart of the community in Jedburgh for many years.

“We urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity around the High Street overnight, or who may have private CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward if you can help our inquiries.”

Witnesses are asked to call police on 101, quoting incident No 0292 of Tuesday, January 7.

Related topics: