The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
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.
