Thieves posing as Council staff target West Cavan OAP

Seamus Enright

Gardaí, the Council and community representatives are warning locals in isolated locations around the county to be vigilant against unsolicited persons calling to their homes.
The warning comes after an elderly man living in West Cavan was targeted by callous thieves masquerading as Council staff who deceptively gained entry to the man’s house before making off with a sum of money last week.
Gardaí continue to investigate the incident which occurred in the Blacklion area on Wednesday, April 16. A number of persons attended the house of a man aged in his 80s, identifying themselves as representatives of the County Council inspecting septic tanks.
Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere in the west of the county as well as in neighbouring Leitrim.
As for last week’s incident, with the house owner distracted showing the thieves his septic tank, another member of the gang is understood to have exited the van and gained entry, rifling through the elderly man’s property before taking a sum of cash.

Blue van

It is understood it is not the first time the house owner has been the subject of a theft by deception. Gardaí are following a definite line of enquiry after a blue van with high-visibility marking was seen in the area around the time of the incident.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or have information in relation to the blue van, to come forward.
Gardaí are also investigating whether a break-in at a house in the Ballyconnell area around the same time as the first in Blacklion is connected. There a house in the Lisanover area of Ballyconnell was broken into, but nothing was taken.
Gardai have warned home owners, particularly living in isolated and rural locations to be vigilant.
Local Fianna Fáil County Councillor John Paul Feeley said he was both shocked and disgusted at the latest theft, targeting a member of the elderly community in their home in a rural area.
He encouraged anyone with information to come forward and assist gardaí. He stated that more had to be done at a national level to support garda services operating in rural areas.

Resources

Following the closure Bawnboy garda station, the downgrade of Ballyconnell and the fending off of closure to Dowra station, Cllr Feeley said there was a clear need for extra resources for the service.

Cavan County Council meanwhile has said Council staff attending homes checking septic tanks are provided with clear identification and that members of the public should always ask to see same.

The Council further noted that in respect of septic tank inspections, the local authority sends out letters 10-days in advance of inspections taking place, with the date and time listed and also with contact details to contact the Council staff if the scheduled appointment time does not suit.