Alert about calls to elderly by those impersonating Gardai

Gardai in Westmeath have expressed concern about ongoing distraction thefts in neighbouring Garda districts where perpetrators are impersonating Gardai.

The crimes usually target the elderly and those living alone. These culprits can be well dressed and carry what appears to a Garda badge of some description, according to Sgt John McWalter, Crime Prevention Officer in Westmeath.

He adds that they tend to call to the premises with the excuse of having found money and asking the person have they lost any? This is a way of gaining entry to the person’s home.

Gardai in Westmeath are advising people that gardai do not operate in this way. Any property including cash is kept in the Westmeath property store in Athlone Garda Station.

The victim of any such crime is asked to come to their nearest Garda station to arrange to get their property returned, Sgt Mc Walter stressed.

The alert has been circulated following several incidents in Meath recently, and Sgt McWalter says fortunately, this message had already been circulated by the Crime Prevention Officer for that area and people didn’t engage.

If you have been contacted or visited by a person pretending to be a Garda with an excuse of finding money, please call Athlone Garda Station. If a person like this calls to your door, don’t engage or allow them in, Sgt McWalter reiterated.