Event rider Reuben Sterricks was stunned to see footage of his stolen horsebox being used to haul away two cash machines during a bank ram-raid in Peebles. The horsebox, which he had bought only weeks earlier, was recovered but suffered extensive damage, including having its roof cut off, and could be held as police evidence for months.
The raid targeted the Royal Bank of Scotland on Eastgate, Peebles, at about 3am last Tuesday. Footage showed three hooded men using a telehandler – a crane-like machine with forklift blades – to tear the ATMs from the wall before loading them into the horsebox, which was attached to a stolen grey Isuzu D-Max pick-up.
Planned series of crimes
Police said the raid was part of a “planned series of crimes” involving three stolen vehicles. The pick-up and horsebox had previously been reported stolen, while the telehandler is also believed to have been stolen. The telehandler was abandoned at the scene, and the suspects fled in the Audi and pick-up.
The horsebox belonged to Reuben Sterricks, who said he “never thought anything like this would happen to us.” He had spent heavily on getting the box into the condition he wanted and regularly used it to take out his “pride and joy” horse, Fagan.
Fundraiser launched
With the box held as evidence, close friend Loryn Paterson launched a fundraiser to help Reuben find a replacement. Writing on the fundraising page, Loryn said: “Nobody expects to wake up and discover their horsebox has been stolen.
“You definitely don’t expect to then see footage of it on the news being used to carry stolen cash machines away from a bank.
“It’s one of those stories that sounds completely made up until you actually watch it. Reuben didn’t ask for any of this, and he certainly hasn’t asked me to start this fundraiser. But sometimes you’ve just got to let your friends help you.”
Loryn added: “Anyone who knows Reuben will know this wasn’t a horsebox sitting in a yard gathering dust. He uses it a lot during the week to get out. Whether that’s out for a lesson, doing the common rides or simply loading up and heading out to enjoy our beautiful countryside.
“It’s his freedom, his escape and a massive part of something he loves doing.
“Suddenly he doesn’t have it. After everything he had already spent on this box, Reuben simply isn’t in a position to go out and replace it.”
Reuben added: “Thanks so much Loryn for doing this for us, really appreciate it.”
Ongoing inquiries
Detective Inspector Keith Sinclair, of Dalkeith CID, said: “This was clearly a planned series of crimes, involving stolen vehicles, to target the cash machines. Extensive inquiries are ongoing to trace the suspects.” He appealed for witnesses.
