Gardaí warn Clare homeowners over bogus caller scams
Gardaí are investigating an incident in Ennistymon
Ennistymon Gardaí are appealing for witnesses in relation to an incident of fraud involving bogus tradesmen.
On Wednesday, June 19, at approximately 1pm a number of men presented to a family home in Kilcornan, Ennistymon, according to Clare Crime Prevention officer Catriona Holohan.
"They undertook to complete work on the home and a short time later took a sum of money from the home owner." she said.
"The works were not completed and initially the injured party did not come forward as she wasn’t threatened, however, this is a crime."
Gardaí in Ennistymon are appealing this morning for anyone that may have observed a small white van in the Kilcornan area of Ennistymon last Wednesday afternoon.
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If you observed this vehicle or have CCTV in your home or business that could assist us in identifying these criminals, please contact Ennistymon Garda Station on 065 7072180.
Sergant Holohan also shared crime prevention advice with the public to stay alert for bogus callers.
"If you are not expecting callers, look out the window to see who is at your door, have a viewer fitted in your door or a doorbell video linked to your phone – you can see who is outside without opening the door"
"Have a door chain / limiter fitted to your front door and keep the chain on if you must open the door, and make sure your back door is locked before you go to the front door," she continued.
"The basic rule is if you don’t know the person at your door, you shouldn’t let them in."
She also advised that people should have adequate lighting at the front and rear doors.
"Bogus Tradesmen can be very plausible and they may try to convince you that your neighbour or someone in the local village or town stated that you were looking for work to be done.
"As outlined above, it is a crime when you are charged a fee in excess of the work carried out. It is also a crime to demand money from someone, or to intimidate someone."