Police warn for door-to-door scams by Irish travellers this autumn
Police are urging residents to stay vigilant as Irish travellers, posing as handymen, target neighborhoods with fraudulent offers. Older people are particularly at risk of advance payment scams or shoddy work. Report suspicious activity immediately to protect yourself and others.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Scam Type | Door-to-door fraud, advance payment scams, poor-quality work extortion |
| Target Group | Older people, general public |
| Modus Operandi | Smooth talk, pushy tactics, threats |
| Reporting Number | Emergency: 112, Non-emergency: 0900 8844 |
| Seasonal Activity | Spring and autumn |
| Police Advice | Do not accept offers, do not let them into your home |
Local police play a crucial role in preventing and addressing fraudulent activities within communities. They issue warnings, investigate reports, and collaborate with residents to enhance neighborhood safety and awareness.
Read the full translated article below
Beware of your belongings – Irish travellers active!
The police regularly receive reports of so-called “Irish travellers” (Irish handymen) being active during spring and autumn. We are receiving reports again this autumn and would like to warn you.
How Irish travellers operate
The so-called Irish travellers go door-to-door and offer to do jobs for you, often using smooth talk and pushy tactics. For example, they may offer roofing services. They then ask for an advance payment but disappear after receiving it. Alternatively, they may do poor-quality work and demand a much higher price than originally agreed, sometimes even accompanied by threats. These scammers often target their victims deliberately, with older people being particularly vulnerable. The Irish handymen often appear professional and are usually part of a travelling group, hence the reference to “travellers”.
Do not accept their offers
The best advice is not to accept any offers, not to let these people into your home, and to warn older people in your area about this type of practice.
Report suspicious situations
Stay alert. If you see Irish travellers in your neighbourhood, call the police immediately on 112. In other cases, you can report the situation to the police on 0900 8844. If possible, note descriptions and licence plates so that the police can get a clearer picture of where and when Irish travellers are active in our municipality, enabling them to take more targeted action.
Together, we can make it safer!