Bogus caller claiming to be garda takes handbag from elderly homeowner

Kells Gardai are investigating yet another incident where a bogus caller claiming to be a garda called to the home of an elderly person.

The latest incident occurred on Wednesday of last week, 24th August, at the home of an elderly woman in the Castlemartin area of Navan.

At around 11.30am, the suspect called to the door and claimed to be a Garda. He entered the hall and stole the woman's handbag, making off with a small sum of cash. A small black car was spotted at the scene.

Kells Gardai are investigating and are appealing to anyone with information on the incident or who noticed suspicious activity in the area to contact Kells Garda Station on (046) 9281820 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

It is the latest in a spate of similar incidents over the past eight months where bogus callers are calling to the home of elderly people purporting to be Gardai with incidents reported in Rathmolyon, Oldcastle, Moynalty, Oristown, Kells, Dunsany and Bohermeen.

Gardai remind the elderly to be vigilant regarding callers to their home and if in any doubt on the validity of the caller, to contact their local garda station or phone 999 who will quickly establish if it is a genuine garda.

Meanwhile, Kells Gardai are investigating a burglary at a house in the Glebe, Kells, on Wednesday 24th August, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. A small sum of cash and electronic items were taken in the burglary.

Anyone with information or who noticed suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact Kells Garda Station on (046) 9280820 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.