Scam artist steals elderly woman’s Christmas savings

A CALLOUS con artist posing as an ESB repair man has robbed an elderly Tralee woman of her entire Christmas savings.

The vile incident took place at the Connolly Park estate in Tralee at around noon last Friday.

While she was in the house alone the elderly victim answered the door to a man who claimed to be from the ESB and who asked to be allowed into the house to check the wiring. He then distracted her and stole a large amount of money that she had been putting aside for months to save for the Christmas holidays.

The distraught victim noticed the theft soon after the man left the house and she alerted her neighbours who contacted gardaí.

Gardaí in Tralee said the crime was “especially heartless and nasty” given that it specifically targeted a vulnerable elderly woman who has been left frightened in her own home.

Anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the Connolly Park area between noon and 1pm is asked to contact Tralee Garda Station.

ESB Networks said they were aware of people fraudulently calling to homes in Tralee claiming to be working for the company.

“We ask Tralee Residents to remain vigilant. In the case of someone calling to a home who claims to work for or on behalf of ESB, we would ask the public to always ask for identification. If any doubts remain, the local Garda station should be contacted,” said an ESB Networks spokesperson.