Man ‘invited himself into house’ and took money from elderly man in Donegal

A man invited himself into an elderly resident's house and took off with his money. 

On Tuesday, January 27 an elderly resident living in the area of Termon Villas, Pettigo had a visit from a man who was not known to him between 4.30pm and 4.45pm.

The caller in question was described as being in his 40s, of average height, heavy set, clean-shaven, round-faced and wearing dark clothing and a dark beanie-type hat. The caller proceeded to ask the resident if he had lost any money and then invited himself into the house. 

While inside, he enquired about what money was there and when money was produced, he helped to count it. He stated that he had to check the money further by scanning it and then left with the money and did not return. 

The man in question was travelling in a small white van and it is believed that he had travelled to the house from the direction of the Lough Derg Road and also left in that same direction. 

“We appeal to anyone who may have travelled on that route or within the general Pettigo area between 4pm and 5pm with a dash-cam, to make the footage available to Gardaí,” Garda Grainne Doherty appealed. “If anyone residing along the Lough Derg Road has CCTV or doorbell cameras that might assist with this investigation, we ask them to please get in touch with us also as we are anxious to progress this investigation. 

“Any relevant information should be passed on to Gardaí in Ballyshannon on 071-9858530 or via the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”

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Gardaí are advising any elderly or vulnerable neighbours and friends about this type of incident and about bogus callers in general. The advice is to fit a chain lock to your door; ensure that your doors and windows are secured; Do not keep large amounts of cash at home; tape your Eircode beside your phone in case you need to contact Gardaí.

If you are ever in doubt about a caller, the best thing to do is to keep them out and alert Gardaí immediately.