Bogus Callers

Gardaí are aware of a number of incidents where bogus callers are calling to the homes of elderly people in the general Dublin area in recent weeks.

Superintendent Sean Ward of Fitzgibbon Street is appealing for information into several of these incidents, in which, these callers represent themselves as employees of Local Authorities indicating that they need to check Gas/ Power / Water supplies etc.  While the elderly person is preoccupied with one of the callers, a second person will enter the house and steal property (Cash & Jewellery)

To date, four such crimes against the elderly have been committed and are  been actively investigated by Gardaí attached to Fitzgibbon Street Garda  Station.  There have been two other suspected attempts, there maybe other similar crimes/attempts but may not have been reported.  The aforementioned crimes have occurred over a one month period – month of December/early January and the offender(s) typically target old people.  The crimes occur between 9am – 12md and 6pm – 10pm – no later nor earlier.

Occasionally one lone culprit may present himself at the door – more often there are two persons involved – the first suspect will engage the householder, while the second suspect will commit the crime – completely oblivious to the unsuspecting injured party.  The descriptions are at variance. However a common physical description is as follows -first offender; 5’5’’ – 5’10’’ tall, slim build, 24-26yrs of age, fat face, clean shaven and well groomed with fair short hair, Dublin accent, dark clothing and well spoken – comes across very amenable.  The second offender is described as being smaller than first offender with dark hair, 21 years, he maybe drug addict.

Suspects purport to be from Dublin Corporation and express a need to check pipes – this is the common means of entry. In other cases, lone suspect asserts that a flood has occurred in some other location and again, there is a sudden need to check pipes.

In one case violence has been used.

No direction of travel or mode of transport.

The areas affected were Thomas Clarke House, Annesley Avenue, Ballybough Road, Richmond Street North.

Advice to Homeowners with regard to Bogus Callers

• Home occupiers are asked to request the bona fida of all callers to their homes, to check with the organisation they allege to represent.

• Genuine callers/traders have no problem in providing photographic identification and organisational details. 

• Never solely rely on the accuracy of the information being proffered. Verify the information yourself. Keep a list of local authority or service provider’s telephone numbers nearby.

• Never engage with persons who insist on cash payment for services offered.

• Never leave strangers, even bona fide workers, unsupervised in your home

• In cases where the home occupier is in any doubt they should contact their local Gardaí immediately.

• Neighbours and family friends are asked to be vigilant in this regard and remind the elderly and those living alone of the dangers that these people pose.

Advice on Bogus Traders/ Callers is available on the Garda website www.garda.ie in the Crime Prevention section.