GARDAÍ have called for vigilance after reports of a growing number of 'confidence tricksters' operating in the Swords area. Criminals posing as charity workers or council officials have been targeting vulnerable homes, gaining access through deception and stealing valuables and cash. Incidents have been on the increase in recent weeks and elderly residents in particular have been urged to be aware of the threats posed.

'There are confidence tricksters operating in the area, going around on the pretense they are collecting for charity, preying on people's confidence,' a senior garda told the Fingal Independent.

' We've had reports of people saying they are representing charities, or collecting for schools, when none of it is true.

' They ask to use the toilet or engage in conversation, distracting them, while an accomplice goes around the back, into the house and rummages for jewellery or cash. We have had a few reports in the last week.

'In once instance, they knocked at a door and asked a lady if they could use their toilet. They then went upstairs and took a substantial sum of money.

'We are warning elderly people in particular that there are confidence tricksters going around. If people have elderly parents or relatives, we would ask that they keep an eye on them and make them aware of the situation.'

Fingal County Council has also received reports of criminals impersonating officials while attempting to gain access to homes, some of whom were carrying false IDs. Home owners said some perpetrators had posed as water service workers, claiming to need access to their houses to turn off the water supplies.

'On some occasions, these persons have attempted to force their way into the house,' a council spokesperson said.

'Other callers have reported that these persons claiming to be from the council are offering to provide services, such as to clean cobblelock at a cost.

'Fingal County Council is advising home owners to be extremely vigilant if they are confronted in the above manner. Before answering your door, check to see if there is a van with the Fingal County Council logo on it.

'Ask for the person's full name and ring the council on 8905000 to confirm he or she is who they say they are. If you cannot confirm the above, the advice is not to open your door and to report the incident to the council.'

- Robin KIELY