Bogus callers 'blitz' Laois offering services such as tarmac

Laois Gardai have repeated their warning about bogus callers offering services following a number of calls in Laois in recent days. 

Garda urged people to beware of bogus callers offering to do work and said suspicious individuals have been very active in the county in recent days. 

“In the last two days they have the county blitzed,” a senior Garda said. Such is the level of activity Gardai are asking people to check in on neighbours. 

Gardai are particularly anxious about elderly or vulnerable people in isolated areas who may feel pressured into accepting work. 

They said most people have to search for tradesmen, they don't normally go door to door. Gardai advised people to get quotes from at least three tradespeople if they need work done. 

They advised anyone who was unsure about a caller to tell them that they would seek quotes from other sources to compare before doing any work.

Gardai said that if someone arrives and says they have tarmac left over from the county council, they are not to be believed. They urged people to only use legitimate registered tradesmen. 

Laois Offaly Crime Prevention Office Sgt Graham Kavanagh has asked people to be on the lookout for a UK registered truck and a black Volvo car. 

Laois Offaly Gardai placed a post on social media reminding people that wearing a hi-vis vest doesn’t confer legitimacy on an individual.   

 “Some activity around Ballyfin, Mountmellick and Mountrath over past day with individuals in  non Irish registered vehicles offering to do ground works. Be careful. They will no doubt visit other areas so be alert and report sightings,” Gardai said. 

“We see bogus callers call to people in communities offering trades and services with very little known about them. This isn't just vulnerable people. Some professionals and businesses engage too because the price seems right. It seldom works out well. 

“Please remember a hi-vis Jacket is for safety, it doesn't confer authority or legitimacy on a person. Always check credentials and say no thanks if in doubt. report concerns too,” Gardai stated.