Cash stolen from elderly woman in latest bogus garda incident

Two more bogus caller incidents where the culprits claimed to be Gardai were reported in the Bellewstown and Mornington areas within a half hour of each other yesterday morning.

In one of the incidents, an elderly lady was duped into allowing the suspect into her home and the heartless thief made off with a sum of cash. In the other case, the elderly woman refused to allow them in and they left the scene.

At 9.30am on Thursday morning, a man knocked at the back door of an elderly lady's home at Cairns Road, Bellewstown. He was carrying 50 euro notes, claimed to be a garda and asked the woman to check her cash. She refused him entry to her home and he left.

The suspect is described as being in his late 40s or 50s and was about 5ft 10 in height and of medium build. A beige colour car was captured on CCTV which is believed to have been the car used by the suspect.

Just 30 minutes later, there was a knock at the front door of the home of an elderly lady at Tower Road, Mornington.

The man at the door produced what appeared to be a garda badge and again had a number of 50 euro notes in his hand. He asked her to check her cash to see if it was hers and unfortunately she brought him in and he made his escape with a sum of cash.

Sergeant Patrick Smyth, Meath Crime Prevention Officer said Gardai are working on the assumption that the two incidents are linked due to their proximity and modus operandi and the vehicle in question. However, he stressed that the perpetrators are using different vehicles.

Gardai are appealing for anyone with information or who noticed suspicious activity in the area that may help with the investigation to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01-8010600 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Gardai are also reminding people to be vigilant that these type of thefts are still occurrring and if in any doubt as to the validity of a caller to contact Gardai.