WITH Clare people continuing to fall foul of bogus callers and rogue tradesmen, gardai have issued security advice to the public.

Clare crime prevention officer Sergeant Triona Brooks has provided a check list of advice to follow should you be confronted with suspicious callers

• Are you expecting callers? If not, look out the window to see the caller.

• Have a viewer fitted in your door – you are safer behind a closed door.

• Have a door chain / limiter fitted and keep the chain/ limiter on, if you must open the door use the limiter. There are electric doorbells that link to your mobile phone.

• Make sure your back door is locked before you go to the front door

• If you are going to engage, ask for ID – a genuine caller won’t mind!

• Use recommended tradespeople, avoid using the services of cold callers.

• The basic rule is if you don’t know the person at your door, you shouldn’t let them in.

• If anxious contact your local Gardaí.

If you think you have become a victim to this type of crime what should you do? 

• Never be embarrassed or ashamed to contact the Gardaí.  Do so immediately. 

• Write down all you can remember about what happened – descriptions of the persons, their clothing, any distinguishing features and any vehicles used by them.  Keep safely any documents
they may have given you.

• For those people who may have elderly or vulnerable neighbours or friends, be a good neighbour and advise them of these possible scams.  If you suspect that bogus callers or trades people are in your area and appear suspicious or are working in a vulnerable neighbour’s home – never hesitate in contacting the Gardaí immediately.  

• Genuine tradespeople will not be offended by any enquiries the Gardaí may make and, indeed, usually welcome them.