Shotguns stolen in farm break-in

Police have appealed for help after a number of thefts in the area

A police investigation is under way after the theft of a number of shotguns and ammunition from a farm in the south of Scotland.

The incident took place in the Newbie area of Annan some time between 1830 GMT on Thursday and 1230 GMT on Friday.

A police spokesman said it was a major concern that the firearms had been taken in the incident.

He appealed for anyone who may have seen anything in the area to contact police as a matter of urgency.

The theft was one of a number of incidents along the Solway Coast of Dumfries and Galloway in the past few days.

A red Honda quad bike worth about £4,500 was stolen from a farm at Bankend overnight between Thursday and Friday.

Telescopes taken

A tractor was also taken from the premises but it has since been discovered abandoned in a field.

Meanwhile, two car break-ins were reported at Ruthwell on Sunday morning, while the owners were attending a church service.

Nothing was taken from either vehicle but thieves did make off with two telescopes from a car parked at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Caerlaverock later in the day.

"It appears to have been right along the Solway," said a police spokesman.

"If anybody has seen or heard anything suspicious from Thursday through to Sunday we are desperate for information."