Man impersonating garda stole from elderly Leitrim man

A man who impersonated a garda has stolen a sum of cash from an elderly Drumsna man.

Gardaí are now urging the public to be vigilant following a number of recent incidents across the country of individuals pretending to be members of An Garda Síochána.

Recent incidents involve the ‘conmen’ stating they are members of An Garda Siochana and offer to check property of home owner and cash stored at house before making off with home owner’s money.

Last Friday, November 25 at approximately 9.20am, a male called to the home of an elderly male in the Drumsna area of Co Leitrim claiming that he was a ‘Garda’. He followed that man into his house on the pretense of checking the security of his home and made away with a sum of cash. A second male remained outside the property in a silver hatchback car.

The public are reminded that Gardai calling to your home will have identification. Genuine Gardai will always provide details to allow you to confirm their identity with the local Garda station and will be patient when you choose to do so.

Should you have any concerns about the person at your door the following guidelines issued by Sergeant Cara Kiernan, Crime Prevention Officer Sligo/Leitrim Garda Division should be considered;

STOP -Before you answer the door, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Make sure your back door and any other doors leading outside are locked before you go to the front door. If you feel uncomfortable do not answer the door and lock it. Talk through a window if possible.

CHECK  - Always ask for identification from the caller. Genuine callers/members of An Garda Síochána will always have identification. If you are still uncertain, phone the organisation and confirm the person’s identity. Genuine callers will be happy to wait.

If you are not expecting a visitor, do not know who is at the door, have any doubt or feel uncomfortable DO NOT open the door or engage with unknown persons

REPORT  - Report suspicious persons and vehicle details promptly to Gardaí by ringing your local Garda station, 999 or 112 or to Sligo Garda station on 071 9157000 or Ballymote Garda station on 071 9189500 Gardaí are also asking people to check in with their elderly loved ones/neighbours. #keepingpeoplesafe