Two cash machines have been forcibly removed from a Royal Bank of Scotland branch on Peebles High Street in southern Scotland during an overnight incident between Monday and Tuesday.
The theft prompted authorities to close the High Street to vehicle traffic. A telescopic forklift was discovered abandoned at the scene following the raid.
The disruption has affected local transport services, with Borders Buses announcing it will be unable to serve the nearby Eastgate bus stop until further notice due to the street closure and ongoing investigation.
This incident follows a pattern of similar crimes across Scotland. In September, a cash machine was torn from a building in Halstead, Essex, using a telehandler vehicle, causing substantial structural damage. Such thefts, which typically involve heavy machinery to extract machines from walls, have become an increasing concern for financial institutions and town centres.
Police Scotland has been contacted for further details regarding the investigation into the Peebles incident.
What happens next?
The High Street closure is expected to remain in place while police conduct their investigation. Borders Buses will continue to divert services away from the Eastgate stop until the street is reopened and the scene is cleared.
