Garda urge vigilance over bogus callers

A bogus caller in Letterkenny has been doing the rounds at houses selling ornaments and jigsaws.

Gardai are aware of the antics and have warned the public to be mindful of elderly or vulnerable family members.

Several reports were made in relation to the man selling ornaments and jigsaws. The man in question was said to have told a different story at each house in relation to his situation.

The man was requesting money when the door was answered.

A Garda spokesperson has said that in relation to fears of bogus callers ‘it is always better to be safe than sorry’.

“They prefer to target the more vulnerable and people who live alone,” the spokesperson said. “Do not open your door to anyone before you are confident that they are known to you or that they have a genuine reason to be there.

“Use a chain lock for added security. Do not leave anybody unattended on the doorstep while the door is unlocked for any reason (for example going to fetch money). Do not allow access to your home for any reason. Do not keep large amounts of cash in your home.

“Bogus callers can be intimidating and often refuse to take no for an answer. Contact Gardaí immediately should you encounter such a caller and try to give as much information as possible, description of person, registration number, direction of travel etc.

“We ask everyone to be vigilant when out and about and to always report suspicious people/vehicles to us immediately.”