Donegal gardai issue warning over 'distraction burglary'

Householders in Donegal have been warned to be alert following a rise in ‘distraction burglaries’ recently.

There has been a number of occurrences in the south of the country in recent weeks, prompting Gardai in the Donegal Division to issue advice.

Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they are not in order to gain access to your home. Once in your home they steal your money.

They often work in pairs and one might distract you at the front door while the other enters your home via the rear of the property. 

“Unfortunately, older people are frequently targeted with this crime,” Garda Gráinne Doherty, the media co-ordinator in the Donegal Garda Division, said.

“In some of these recent incidents these bogus callers have impersonated Gardaí and have said that they are calling in relation to recent burglaries and to discuss home security.

“In other incidents they have said that they are Officials who are there to inspect pension cards. They can come up with many types of false reasons for being at your home.

“In all cases you need to be wary of strangers calling to your home and take the necessary precautions.”

Garda Doherty said that householders are advised: Do not open the door to anyone before you’ve checked who they are and what they want; Be 100% satisfied as to their identity before opening your door. Use your door viewer and chain/limiter; Check identification, where appropriate; Ensure that your back door is locked if you do answer a call at the front door; and do not keep large amounts of cash at your home.

Garda Doherty said: “Contact Gardaí immediately if you are suspicious about a caller. Take note of their clothing, appearance, vehicle registration number and direction of travel if possible.

“We ask everybody to please check in on elderly/vulnerable neighbours, friends and family members and to speak to them in relation to scams such as these and to advise them accordingly.”