Gardai warn of bogus callers and rogue traders calling to homes

An Garda Siochana have issued advice to those with family members who may be susceptible to having bogus callers and rogue traders call to their homes.

"At this time of year with the longer/brighter evenings we usually tend to see a rise in the occurrence of incidents involving bogus callers," a Garda spokesperson said. "Callers may arrive to offer services such as powerwashing, painting, general maintenance etc.

"These bogus callers prefer to target the more vulnerable and people who live alone. We advise people not to engage with such callers. Don't open your door to anyone before you are confident that they are known to you or that they have a genuine reason to be there. Use a chain lock for added security.

"These callers can be intimidating and often refuse to take no for an answer. Contact Gardaí immediately should you encounter such a caller and try to give as much information as possible, description of person, registration number, direction of travel etc. We ask everybody to be vigilant when out and about and report suspicious people/vehicles to us immediately.