Distraction burglaries thefts involving thieves posing as Gardaí are on the rise with reports that the these thugs are targeting elderly people in particular.
The public is urged to be vigilant after several such attempted robberies were committed involving thieves posing as Gardaí.
A number of incidents in the midlands, Louth, Meath and Dublin have occurred in recent months, with some people saying the thugs had what is described as “traveller accents”.
One such incident saw two thugs call man called the home of an elderly woman’s house wearing what appeared to be a garda uniform. Luckily, the elderly woman’s son was there and when the thugs produced a blatantly fake ID, they fled when the man said he was phoning the actual gardai.
Other such incidents happened where these thugs said they needed to check the person’s house for security, claiming they were doing gardai community service. The home owner said they were definitely travellers masquerading as gardai, slammed the door shut, hit the panic alarm and rang gardai who arrived to the house about 15 minutes later.
People are advised to be extremely vigilant, tell their elderly family and friends NOT to open the door at all costs to these thugs. If they suspect anything is wrong at all, ring 999, 112 or the Confidential Line on 1800-66-61-11 or report anything to their local Garda station.
People are asked to share this with their elderly family and friends.
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