Laois Crime Prevention Officer issues advice over bogus gardai
The Laois Offaly Garda Crime Prevention Officer has issued some advice after an elderly man’s wallet was stolen in the midlands last week.
The theft occurred in rural Co Longford when an elderly man had money taken on him by a suspect who was pretending to be a garda.
Garda Sergeant Graham Kavanagh took to social media to warn people to be vigilant.
“A conversation to have with family, friends and neighbours particularly those that may be more vulnerable.
Gardaí are aware of a number of incidents of people impersonating Gardaí. Recent incidents of this type involve the ‘conmen’ requesting to check cash held by the injured party as a result of an increase in counterfeit cash circulating in the area, or that the ‘conmen’ need to check the security of the house as a result of an increase in burglaries in the area,” he explained.
An Garda Síochána will not cold call to a house and request to do either of these, said Sgt Kavanagh.
“An Garda Síochána wish to remind the public that any Garda member calling to your door will have identification. Should you have any concerns about the person at the door, you should not answer the door even if they are purporting to be a Garda,” he said.
“Genuine Gardaí will always provide details to allow you to confirm their identity with the local Garda Station and will be patient while you choose to so,” he added.