'Detective' makes off with elderly man's cash

Local householders have been advised to be extra cautious when strangers call to their door after a male impersonating a garda detective made of with a sum of cash belonging to a elderly person in the Ferbane area.

The incident occurred at around 11am last Thursday morning when a male, believed to be in his 50s, called to an elderly man living in Derrica Beg, outside Ferbane. The male identified himself as a garda detective who was checking for counterfeit money in the locality.

When the occupant of the house handed over a sum of cash for inspection, the male took it and drove off in the direction of Athlone.

Investigating gardai say that the male who took the cash was of large build, clean shaven and smartly dressed.

Gardai also received reports about a male who matched the description of the 'detective', and possibly an accomplice, visiting three other homes - one in Shannonbridge and two in Moyclare - on Thursday morning. Thankfully, these visits proved fruitless.

Gardai in Birr are investigating Thursday's theft and have appealed for anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious in the Ferbane area to come forward.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent, Sgt Alan Kerin urged members of the public to be cautious when strangers called to their door.

'If someone comes to you house and you are in any doubt ring 999 or your local station. We [the gardai] are not going door-to-door checking money. If anyone calls to your door doing that ring 999,” he urged on foot of the latest incidents.

Anyone who may have any information regarding Thursday's theft is asked to contact Birr station on 0579169710.