Garda impersonator steals cash from elderly couple

An elderly couple living in an isolated area of Stamullen have become the latest victims of the garda impersonation scam after a large sum of money was stolen from them on Wednesday of this week.

At around 4pm on 12th October, a dark coloured car pulled up at their home and a man got out of the driver's seat. A woman was in the passenger seat and stayed in the car.

The man claimed to be a garda from Drogheda Garda Station and proceeded to tell them that suspects had been arrested in the area with a quantity of cash and were being held in Drogheda Garda Station. He asked the elderly man to check his cash in case it was his.

The elderly couple brought the man in to the house. When the man took out his cash to check it, he was pushed by the suspect who took the money and fled the scene.

Ashbourne Gardai are investigating the incident and are appealing for anyone with information or who noticed suspicious activity to contact them.

The suspect spoke with a local Irish accent, had brown hair and was 5ft10 to 6ft in height. He was well dressed and respectable. Gardai also say it is the first time they have been made aware of an incident where a female was also involved.

Just two weeks ago, three attempted distraction thefts took place in Kilmessan, Carnaross, and Virginia but were unsuccessful. Again the culprits claimed to be Gardai.

Over the past year, there have been numerous reports of bogus callers claiming to be Gardai all around the county and further afield. Garda are reminding people to be vigilant and contact Gardai if in any doubt as to the validity of a caller to their home.