There have been a number of incidents of criminals posing as Gardai in the North of the county in recent days.

Sinn Féin deputy Johnny Guirke has been made aware of one such situation that happened in Crossakiel earlier in the week while Gardai have alerted the public to a similar event in a number of areas.

A Garda spokesperson said, ‘We have received reports of two males who called to the home of an elderly person in Crossakiel and also to the home of an elderly person in Oldcastle on Wednesday 29/03/2023.

‘These males were impersonating Gardaí and asked the home owners if they had lost any money. They do this in the hopes that the home owner goes to check their cash, which these males then proceed to take.

‘If you see any males or vehicles acting in a suspicious manner, please contact Kells Garda Station on 046-9280820 or dial 999.
‘Don’t open your door to anyone before you have confirmed who it is and what they want, even if this means ringing Gardaí to confirm they are who they say they are.
‘We ask you to be vigilant and keep an eye on your neighbours, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. Report suspicious persons/vehicles to Gardaí immediately.
‘REMEMBER IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT.’
Guirke also urged vigilance, saying, ‘I have received calls and texts of persons acting suspiciously in Crossakiel, Oldcastle, Moylagh, Mountnugent areas. 

 ‘The persons are driving around in a grey vehicle, knocking on doors pretending to be members of Gardai and looking to gain entry to houses. 

 ‘I am asking anyone living in this area, and other parts of rural Ireland to be extra vigilant of suspicious activity or persons. 

 ‘We need to check on those most vulnerable to these types of attacks, burglaries and make sure they are safe and only a phone call away if they need help. 

 ‘These types of attacks in rural Ireland are becoming all too familiar now, and criminals see our area as easy targets. 

 ‘Criminals like this prey on the weak and vulnerable and especially our elderly, and if they are caught they should feel the full force of the courts.’