Renewed warning over garda impersonator roaming Mayo

THE crime prevention officer for the Mayo Garda Division, Sergeant Tony Cosgrove, has issued a renewed call to the public about a man calling to houses and impersonating a garda detective.

In a statement, Sergeant Cosgrove told The Connaught Telegraph: “Over the past fortnight there has been two cases of a man calling to houses in the Mayo area purporting to be a Detective Sergeant from Castlebar Garda Station. He quickly produced some form of an identification card which may have the garda crest on it.

“He asked if there were any valuables or cash in the houses and that he was checking €50 notes after a robbery.

“Obviously this is a scam and the public are advised not to entertain this type of approach.

'The gardai are not calling to houses checking on money or valuables. However the public are advised not to keep large sums of cash at home and to photograph and keep jewellery in a well hidden place.

“The man is described as being 5'-8' to 5'-10' in height, 40-50 years, well dressed - suit and tie with a local accent. Any such call to your home should be reported to your local Garda Station and please try and get the registration of any transport being used.

“In general all callers to your home should be fully verified before you let them in. Always demand and thoroughly check their identification documents.

'If they don't have identification make a phone call to the organisation they represent and verify their presence in your area.”