A warning has been made to the public after a man impersonating a Garda appeared at a house in a Laois village.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at a house in Rosenallis.
The householders did not engage with this person and reported the matter immediately to Gardai.
The Crime Prevention Officer for Laois and Offaly, Graham Kavanagh, is urging people to remain vigilant.
He said: “This is a conversation to have with family, friends and neighbours – particularly those that may be more vulnerable.
“Gardaí are aware of an increase in the number of incidents of people impersonating Gardaí.
“Recent incidents of this type involve the ‘conmen’ requesting to check cash held by the injured party as a result of an increase in counterfeit cash circulating in the area, or that the ‘conmen’ need to check the security of the house as a result of an increase in burglaries in the area.
“An Garda Síochána will not cold call to a house and request to do either of these.
“An Garda Síochána wish to remind the public that any Garda member calling to your door will have identification.
“Should you have any concerns about the person at the door, you should not answer the door even if they are purporting to be a Garda.
“Genuine Gardaí will always provide details to allow you to confirm their identity with the local Garda Station and will be patient while you choose to so.”
SEE ALSO – Sadness and tributes paid as long serving former Laois school teacher passes away
