Gardaí warning after ‘cold callers’ target elderly lady
‘THIS HEINOUS TYPE CRIME TARGETS THE MOST VULNERABLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES’
GARDAÍ have urged people to be on their guard against bogus callers to homes after an elderly Cork lady was pressurised into paying what they described as an “extortionate” amount of money for tools she did not want.
An investigation is ongoing into the incident in Bantry after suspects ‘cold called’ her home uninvited and pressurised her into buying 12 chainsaws, 11 generators, seven powers washers and a number of other assorted tools that she had no use for.
The lady, who lives alone, handed over a number of cheques which Gardaí said amounted to a “substantial” amount of money in payment for the items. Fortunately, most of the cheques were stopped before they could be cashed.
The Garda crime prevention officer for the north Cork region, Fermoy-based Sergeant John Kelly, urged any other people who may have fallen victim to a similar crime to contact their local Garda station.
Sgt Kelly said Gardaí asked that people make elderly family members, neighbours and friends aware of the incident so they do not fall victim to ‘rogue traders’ calling to their homes. “This was a heinous type of crime as it targets the most vulnerable members of our communities,” he said.
Sgt Kelly called urged people with elderly or vulnerable neighbours who hear about bogus traders doing the rounds to let both them know and contact local Gardaí so they can put additional patrols in place.
“If you suspect that anyone who calls to your door selling goods or services is not who they say they are, tell them you are not interested and call the Gardaí immediately. Genuine trades people won’t be offended by any queries that we may make,” said Sgt Kelly.
“If you are answering the door to cold callers, apply the chain or door limiter before opening the door. I would also ask that if anyone feels like they, or someone they know has been a victim of being sold goods for extortionate prices, or paid for a service that was not carried out, to call any Garda station and report the matter,” he added.
Sgt Kelly said their Community Policing Units were always on hand to pay regular visits to anyone who may feel susceptible to crime.
“We regularly host outings and pay visits to senior citizen’s groups and clubs so the people get to know there local Community Policing Unit and build up a relationship with them,” he said.
Crime prevention advice from Gardaí regarding bogus traders and callers can be found at https://www. garda.ie/en/Crime-Prevention/BogusCallers.