Longford crime prevention officer warns that men impersonating Gardaí call to homes of elderly

The Roscommon Longford Garda Crime Prevention Officer is urging the public to be vigilant after a number of recent incidents of individuals pretending to be members of An Garda Síochána.

On Friday, November 25, at approximately 9.20am, a male called to the home of an elderly male in the Drumsna area of Co Leitrim claiming that he was a Garda.

He was allowed into the house and made away with a sum of cash. A second male remained in a nearby silver hatchback car.

Sergeant Damien Bartley, local Crime Prevention Officer has advised:

STOP: Before you answer the door, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Make sure your back door and any other doors leading outside are locked before you go to the front door. If you feel uncomfortable don’t answer the door and lock it. Talk through a window if you can.

CHECK: Always ask for ID. Genuine callers/members of An Garda Síochána will always have identification. If you are still uncertain, phone the organisation and confirm the person’s identity. Genuine callers will be happy to wait. If you are not expecting a visitor, do not know who is at the door, have any doubt or feel uncomfortable DO NOT open the door or engage with unknown persons

REPORT: Report suspicious persons and vehicle details to Gardaí immediately by ringing 999 or 112

Gardaí have this evening issued an appeal to anyone with information about the burglary to contact their local Garda Station.

Gardaí are also asking people to check in with their elderly loved ones/neighbours. #keepingpeoplesafe