A Galloway property owner says it is a good thing Neighbourhood Watch is alive and well in the rural community near Alexandra, after a neighbour spotted a man prowling next door and jumped in to action.
Alexandra police have praised the actions of the neighbours, who subsequently stopped the alleged burglar leaving the Fisher Lane home about 1.20pm yesterday.
The property owner, who did not want to be identified, said his neighbour alerted him, and he rushed home from work in Alexandra.
When they found the person still at the address, in a car, they blocked the driveway with the property owner's vehicle to prevent him from leaving.
Sergeant Ian Kerrisk, of Alexandra, said police were impressed with the mens' actions.
"They did everything right, in ensuring police were on the way and also ensuring that while they took action to stop the man leaving, they did not put themselves at risk. It is always good to see neighbours supporting each other like this, especially in our rural areas."
The property owner said he was grateful his neighbour had called him and he would have done the same thing had it been the other way around.
"It's a good job we have Neighbourhood Watch here. We need it."
Sgt Kerrisk said a 55-year-old Lauder man was arrested and charged with burglary.
The man was released on bail to appear in the Alexandra District Court in November 19.
