Police probe is launched in Hawick after a rubbish bin was used to steal clothes from a store

Police were called to the M&Co. outlet at 74 High Street at around 5.20am on Thursday, February 25.

Numerous items had been stolen and police officers cordoned off the area around the premises.

An appeal has been launched for information on the incident.

Reports have been posted on social media sites of a man seen using a rubbish bin to escape with his ill-gotten gains.

One said: “He was seen carting stuff away in a wheelie bin!”

Another added: “I stay at the bottom of O’Connell Street and got woken by someone moving a wheelie bin, either going up the street or down the street.”

The Hawick and Peebles M&Co. outlets were saved in August last year after the company announced a restructuring programme that led to the closure of dozens of stores and the loss of almost 400 jobs.

Both Borders premises are currently closed as a result of the current lockdown regulations, but are expected to reopen.

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Police said: “M&Co., within the High Street in Hawick, was broken into at around 5.20am on the 25th of February 2021. Numerous clothing items were taken from the store. If you have information that may assist with our enquiries please contact us on 101 and quote the incident number 375 of the 25th February 2021.

"Alternatively, if you have any information about this, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.”