Gardaí warn of ‘bogus tradesmen’ knocking on Limerick doors for ‘criminal purposes’

A REPORT has been made to gardaí of “suspected bogus tradesmen” operating on the outskirts of Limerick city.

Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer Henry Street Garda Station, stated: “Gardaí received a report on March 11 of suspected bogus tradesmen operating in the Lansdowne Park area on the Ennis Road.”

Ms O’Halloran continued: “They were calling door to door offering gardening services.”

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“While many legitimate businesses do operate this way, unfortunately this type of activity can also be used as a distraction for criminal purposes or to overcharge for poor or unnecessary work.”

The garda recommends taking the following steps when employing tradespeople to avoid deception:

• Always use reputable, established businesses or tradespeople;

• Ask for identification and verify it;

• Avoid paying cash upfront

• If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious, trust your instincts and contact Gardaí

Ms O’Halloran made a point of highlighting that older members of the community could be particularly vulnerable to deceitful tradesmen, and advised readers “to open up this conversation and share this advice with older members of our communities who may be targeted”. 

The sergeant warned: “As we move into spring, many people are looking to get work done around their homes, and that’s when we tend to see an increase in this type of activity.” 

“Our advice is never agree to on-the-spot work from someone you don’t know.”

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme