Gardaí have issued a warning aimed particularly at elderly people, about the scourge of doorstep scammers.
In recent weeks several incidents of doorstep scammers have been reported to Gardaí in and around the rural parts of Carlow and Kilkenny.
It is understood that men in yellow, high-vis jackets have approached the homes of elderly people, particularly in rural areas, offering trades or requesting entry to the property to check services. However, while one person distracts the resident by checking water taps in the kitchen, a second person rummages through the house searching for cash and jewellery.
Sergeant Gary Gordon of Kilkenny community police warned people not to allow tradespeople gain access to their homes without first seeing an ID badge.
“Anyone who is being sent out to check utilities such as water, ESB etc will always have an ID card on them. Always ask to see it if you are permitting somebody onto your property. However, we would advise people not to allow anybody access to their property if they are unsure and if they are not expecting them to call. A call to the Gardaí will quickly determine whether or not they are legitimate tradesmen.”
He reminded people also that it is better to be safe than sorry and to talk to unexpected callers through a closed door until they determine who they are before allowing them access to their homes.
“The local Gardaí can do a very quick check on service people in the area if people just call us first. It is no hassle and it is always better to be safe than sorry,” he added.
He warned that the criminal gangs currently targeting Kilkenny are using the art of distraction before being extremely pleasant and nice to the resident before making off with their loot.
Gardaí are asking people to alert them if they come across suspicious tradespeople or if they are concerned about people loitering in the neighbourhood. Contact local Gardaí or Kilkenny Gardaí at 77 22 222.
