Bogus callers claiming to be Council workers

PRESS RELEASE 11^th February 2009

Warning re Persons posing as Council workers

South Dublin County Council is advising residents that the Garda have warned that bogus callers claiming to be Council workers, checking water pressure are targeting residences in the Clondalkin and Rathcoole area.

All householders are urged to be vigilant and not to permit access to their property to anyone, purporting to work on behalf of South Dublin County Council, unless official identification is shown by the caller.

Householders should, in the normal course of events, take the following precautionswhen persons call to their homes, purporting to work on behalf of South Dublin County Council

1. All callers should be asked to show their identification card. These cards carry a photograph of the staff member, an I.D. number, the councils logo and both the English and Irish version of the Councils name. Council staff may travel in The Councils highly distinctive vehicles, check to see if one of these is parked outside of the house.

2.If the householder is not satisfied as to the identity of the caller, they should advise the caller that they are contacting South Dublin County Council at 01-4574907 or info@sdublincoco.ie to verify their identity and to confirm that the County Council is in fact conducting works requiring entry to their property.

3.Where the callers identity cannot be verified, then the householder should refuse entry to their property and contact the Garda immediately.

4. Householders also have the option of refusing entry to their property except by prearranged appointment and South Dublin County Council staff will facilitate them in advance by telephone, if necessary.

For information on all aspects of South Dublin County Council - www.southdublin.ie