Public urged to be vigilant after bogus tradesmen target elderly people in Limerick

GARDAI have warned the public to be “cautious when approached by unexpected callers offering services at your home” after receiving reports of bogus tradesmen in Limerick city.

It has been confirmed that two separate incidents of this nature occurred in the Janesboro area on Wednesday, November 4.

In the first report, it was established that a woman, aged in her 60s, was approached by a man offering to clean her gutters.

This woman agreed to the work, paying part of the money up front and the male in question told her he would return shortly to carry out the job.

However, this was not the case as he never made his way back to the property.

In a second incident on the same date, another woman, aged in her 70s, was also approached by a man offering to carry out cleaning work for an agreed price.

She made a payment up front and the male left with the money, without completing the work.

Commenting on the reports, Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street garda station, said: “These incidents are a reminder of the importance of being cautious when approached by unexpected callers offering services at your home.”

Sgt O’Halloran gave advice on what to do if approached in such a manner while at home.

She said members of the public should “never feel under pressure to agree to work or make an immediate payment” but that bogus tradesmen can indeed be “very convincing.”

This is due to the fact that they may offer, what appears to be, a reasonable price, while creating a sense of urgency by suggesting that work needs to be done immediately.

The Crime Prevention Officer encouraged people to do the following:

• Never agree to work simply because someone calls unexpectedly at your door
• Do not pay money up front, particularly to someone you have not checked out
• Always seek a written quotation and establish exactly what work is being offered
• Use reputable tradespeople who come recommended by family, friends or neighbours
• Ask for identification and independently verify any business details provided
• Never allow an unexpected caller into your home

“I’d also encourage families and neighbours to look out for older people living nearby and to make them aware of these types of crimes. If anyone notices suspicious callers or vehicles operating in their area, they should report it to gardai,” Sgt O’Halloran concluded.