Carlow Community Policing Unit is appealing to the public to be vigilant following reports of bogus traders going door-to-door in the Carlow area, offering landscaping, power-hosing and outdoor works.
In a statement on the An Garda Síochána Kilkenny/Carlow Facebook page, it states that these bogus traders are offering the service for “large amounts of money and may demand more during or after the work”.
“This may be a threat to those who are isolated or living alone, particularly the elderly in the community. Check in on anyone you know who could be vulnerable,” the statement adds.
An Garda Síochána is urging people to protect and look after the vulnerable in communities, and advises anyone who needs help to contact their local Garda station.
Gardaí seize 32 dogs and 4 horses during planned searches
In other news, Gardaí have seized 32 dogs and four horses during planned searches in the Baldoyle area of north Co. Dublin as part of ongoing investigations into puppy farms and related criminal activity.
The operation was carried out by the DMR North Divisional Crime Task Force based in Santry, supported by local detectives, uniformed Gardaí and animal rescue agencies.
All of the animals seized are now in the care of appropriate animal rescue agencies. There were no planned arrests in this phase of the investigation.
The potential value of the dogs recovered is estimated to be in excess of €150,000.
2 men arrested in connection with stolen dogs
Also this week, two men have been arrested and brought before the courts in relation to dogs that were suspected to be stolen in July.
Shortly after 7:30pm on July 13, Gardaí from Castleconnell Garda Station were following up on reports of suspicious activity in the car park on Old Dublin Road, Co. Limerick.
A statement from An Garda Síochána said:
“Gardaí spoke to two men who had two male springer spaniel dogs in their possession. When Gardaí enquired about their ownership of the dogs, the two men were unable to provide information that Gardaí were satisfied with. They also informed Gardaí that the dogs were microchipped.
Both dogs were very nervous, cowering in their cage, so a decision was made by Gardaí to seize them for their welfare pending the verification of ownership. Both dogs were seized and brought to Henry Street where they were housed in the kennels at the rear of station.
“One of the men later attended Henry Street and produced documentation which Gardaí believe are fraudulent. The two dogs were then brought to a local animal shelter whilst Gardaí carried out further enquiries.
“One of the dogs, the older of the two, has since been reunited with its owner. The dog is believed to have been stolen on June 24, in Co. Cork.”
The second owner could not be traced and the dog was adopted.