A number of premises and a farmhouse in Killarney were searched by gardaí today in an investigation into bogus tradespeople operating in the Munster area.
Over 50 gardaí from Killarney, parts of Munster and the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) were involved in the operation, which targeted five premises and a farmhouse/outbuildings on the outskirts of Killarney town.
The searches are part of an investigation into the actions of individuals posing as legitimate tradespeople, preying on the elderly and vulnerable in the Kerry and wider Munster region.
There were no arrests, but a number of papers and documents were seized and are being examined, said Superintendent Michael Maher, Killarney District Garda Division.
He told ireland.comthe searches are in connection with incidents in which bogus tradespeople have been charging for shoddy work that far exceeds the value of the work done.
"Very often, they would canvass their work - roofing, guttering, tarmacadam and other types of builders work - and con people into believing the work is necessary."
The gardaí have appealed to people to question 'builders' who canvas saying most legitimate builders are too busy to advertise.