Gardaí arrested three men as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected rogue traders in Co. Cork earlier this week.
The individuals, all aged in their 20s, were detained at Togher and Bridewell Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
Clean driveway for €900
On September 4th, 2020 Gardaí received a report from a lady, aged in her 70s and who lives alone, about work she recently had done by tradesmen at her house in the Bishpostown area of Cork.
Gardaí were told that on the morning of August 24th, three men had arrived at her house, uninvited, and agreed to clean her driveway for €900.
Fix roof for over €5,000
The men then stated that the roof needed to be fixed along with other jobs and made her feel pressured into paying over €5,450.
When the lady had no cash left, she was even asked to go to the bank to withdraw more money.
After she inspected the work that was carried out, there was paint damage to her driveway and house, as well as damage caused to her patio slabs.
Operation
In August of this year, two Detective Gardaí were appointed to assist this operation, allowing for surveillance and high visibility patrols to be carried out.
The operation, which is still ongoing, has also seen an increase in checkpoints carried out with the assistance of the Department of Social Welfare.
Crime Prevention Officer for Cork city, Sergeant Brian McSweeney said: “One of the best crime prevention tools we have is good neighbours.”
“If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours and see or hear about bogus traders operating in your area, let them and ourselves know so we can put out additional patrols.”
“If you suspect that anyone who calls to your door selling goods or services is not who they say they are, tell them you are not interested and call the Gardaí immediately.”
“Genuine trade’s people won’t be offended by any queries that you or Gardaí may make.”
