Donegal Gardaí have issued advice to householders in relation to ‘distraction burglaries’.
Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they are not, such as meter readers or council workers, in order to gain access to your home. Once in the home, however, they steal money and valuables. They often work in pairs and one might distract you at the front door while the other enters your home via the rear of the property.
There have been a number of occurrences of the crime tactic recently in the south of the country. As a result, Donegal Gardaí have issued some tips as a precautionary measure.
“Unfortunately, older people are frequently targeted with this crime,” Garda Grainne Doherty said.
“In some of these recent incidents these bogus callers have impersonated Gardaí and have said that they are calling in relation to recent burglaries and to discuss home security.”
In other incidents they have said that they are officials who are there to inspect pension cards. They can come up with many types of false reasons for being at your home.
“In all cases you need to be wary of strangers calling to your home and take the necessary precautions,” added Garda Doherty.
She issued the following advice:
- Do not open the door to anyone before you’ve checked who they are and what they want. Be 100% satisfied as to their identity before opening your door. Use your door viewer and chain/limiter.
- Check identification, where appropriate.
- Ensure that your back door is locked if you do answer a call at the front door. Do not keep large amounts of cash at your home.
“Contact Gardaí immediately if you are suspicious about a caller,” continued Garda Doherty.
“Take note of their clothing, appearance, vehicle registration number and direction of travel if possible. We ask everybody to please check in on elderly/vulnerable neighbours, friends and family members and to speak to them in relation to scams such as these and to advise them accordingly.”
