Gardai have warned that conmen may pose as Irish Water officials as the new water system is rolled out across Donegal early in the New Year.
Gardai are warning that conmen may pose as Irish Water officials.
Sgt Paul Wallace said the conmen may use the opportunity to get into people’s homes to either rob or gather information on the homes.
The Crime Prevention officer told Donegal Daily there are numerous reports of ‘clipboard men’ operating across the county.
“We have a lot of reports of guys in high viz jackets and clipboards calling to homes and gathering information.
“We are warning people that they may now using the roll-out of Irish Water to call to homes and get inside or get information.
“We are telling people that Irish Water will not call to people’s homes or if they do they will give people advance notice.
“People should not be afraid to ask for proper ID or to ask for a phone number to check their identification. If they are genuine, then they will not mind either,” he said.
Sgt Wallace has been addressing groups across the county on this and other security issues.
Last night a group of up to 70 people gathered in Carrigart to hear ways of protecting their homes.
The following is a guide to protect people over the festive season.
You can afford to lose nothing!
➢ Keep a sharp eye on strange vehicles in the locality report suspicions to Gardai.
➢ Install a monitored intruder alarm to your home and buildings that are vulnerable and use it!
➢ Lighting – Illuminate areas which are overlooked from your home.
➢ Shopping – Ask at neighbour to look over your property when you are out shopping, (you can also return the favour).
➢ Be careful to lock your shopping/gifts in the boot of your car – remember the elves (oops) the thieves are about.
Elderly: / Callers to your door.
It’s the time of year for callers to your door but are they all genuine??
➢ Remember a caller to your door with a hard hat reflective vest and a clipboard may not be genuine check them out i.e name, company ,identification , car registration etc if in doubt keep them out and call Gardai at the 24 /7 call centre for your area Letterkenny/Milford/Buncrana/Ballyshannon
➢ Check on your older neighbours at this time of year, remember older people love to receive a visit, or telephone call it can be that simple.
➢ Older people in isolated, rural mountainous areas are especially vulnerable at this time of year.
➢ Advise older relatives to join the Good Morning Donegal project in your area info at gmsdonegal@hse.ie / 074 93 21598.
Farmers, Mark & Record your Property – Increase in theft of trailers and farm machinery.
➢ Photograph machinery & equipment.
➢ Keep a record of the serial numbers markings on equipment.
➢ Use your unique code and registered number for example Garda/PSNI/IFA Scheme in the Northern Garda Region.
➢ Use overt and covert marking i.e. Obvious and Hidden marking.