intimidating Gardai issue alert after older people are targeted by 'tarmac gangs' in Offaly

Gardai have issued alerts to Neighbourhood Watch groups in Offaly after reports that “tarmac gangs” have been targeting older people in the area.

Local people have been put on alert after several reports to were made to gardaí in Offaly and Laois recently that older homeowners had been pressured to hand over exorbitant money to have tarmac laid that they had never requested.

According to Offaly Live, one older man in the area was asked to pay a significant amount of money by a group who arrived to his door.

However, when his son came to the house, the group left.

Sgt Graham Kavanagh revealed that there were reports that several men in a white UK registered pick-up are offering tarmac to older people.

"Do not engage, report sightings," he said.

Laois Offaly gardaí also offered advice on what to do if approached.

"Don't engage with cold callers. If you do, get their identification and their registration number so they know you can pass information to the gardaí.

“They can be intimidating. We would ask people to keep an eye on their elderly neighbours."