Beware of door to door callers say Gardai

Gardai have urged homeowners to be vigilant when engaging with tradespeople who call to their doors unannounced.

In a statement issued this week, Laois Offaly crime prevention officer Sgt Graham Kavanagh said that “older and vulnerable people” are being targeted by “unscrupulous individuals”.

If a householder needs to get some work done, Sgt Kavanagh advises that they contact a reputable tradesperson.

“Do not employ a contractor unless you know them or they have been recommended to you. Do not let some stranger tell you that you need something fixed, maintained or cleaned on your property.

 “Older and vulnerable people are being scammed or conned out of money by unscrupulous individuals generally from other parts of the country for shoddy or imcomplete work,” he said.

He advised that you call on your older neighbours and let them know that anything they need can be done locally.