Gardaí warn of increase in burglaries by bogus callers

GARDAÍ have warned the public to be extra cautious about letting people into their homes after a spate of burglaries in west Waterford, many of which are believed to have been carried out by bogus gardaí, ESB and HSE officials.

Gardaí said they have seen a recent upsurge in burglaries in the area and are calling a special public meeting on Monday evening to highlight the issue.

Houses have been targeted in Tallow, Ballymacarbry, Ardmore, Cappoquin, Lismore, Ring and Dungarvan.

It is believed the burglaries were carried out by more than one gang.

Gardaí say they believe the gangs are trying to pick out unoccupied houses in rural areas and will knock on doors to see if people are at home.

If nobody answers they break in and, in particular, are stealing cash, jewellery and other portable valuables.

However, if the homeowner is at home the caller will pretend to be a member of the gardaí or an official from the HSE or ESB.

In some cases, one person distracts a homeowner, chatting at the front door, while an accomplice enters the property from the rear and steals what they can.

Gardaí discovered that if the bogus callers are challenged about their identity they are likely to quickly flee the scene.

Gardaí say the gangs are in particular targeting elderly people, who they think are easier to dupe.

Sergeant Andrew Geary, who is in charge of community alert in the area, said all officials and gardaí carry formal identification.

“If somebody calls to your door purporting to be from the gardaí, HSE, ESB etc they should be asked for their official ID, which they carry with them at all times. If somebody calls to your front door you should make sure your back doors and windows are closed before you answer them,” Sgt Geary said.

He has appealed to people to keep a close eye on their neighbours’ homes if they are at work or on holiday.

“We have even seen temporarily unoccupied houses ransacked and the thieves returning there again at a later date in the hope of getting more,” the sergeant said.

“People need to get the message not to leave large amounts of cash in their homes, especially under their mattresses.”

Sgt Geary said householders needed to beef up their security and one simple way of doing that was to buy a dog.

He said gardaí needed the support of the community in an effort to track down the gangs.

- The special meeting will take place in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan next Monday night at 7.30pm. Contact Dungarvan Garda Station at 058-48600.