LEFT: Sergeant Noel Harraghy imparting crime prevention advice to the audience in Kildallan Community Centre at a recent meeting. Also listening are his Garda colleagues Sergeant Martin Conroy, Garda Bernard Gallagher and Garda Lorraine Healy.

Bogus caller warning as person living alone duped

A sergeant from West Cavan has warned homeowners, particularly the elderly living alone, to be on the lookout for bogus callers.

Sgt Noel Harraghy, the Crime Prevention Officer for the Cavan and Monaghan Garda District, issued the warning at a public meeting in Kildallon.

He cited a recent example in neighbouring County Monaghan where two men called to a house of a person living on their own under the pretence that they were ESB workers. They had four €50 notes in their hands and asked the person if they had lost any money. The person trusted them enough to let them into their home and, while that person was distracted, money in the house was stolen. “It is important that you know those sort of people are out and about and ready to pounce,” warned Sgt Harraghy at the meeting, which was organised by the local ICA.

For a full report from the meeting, including the issue of tools and trailers being stolen “left, right and centre”, see page 11 of tomorrow's Celt.