Gardaí in Dublin have issued a warning to the public about bogus callers.
Gardaí said they were aware of a number of incidents where bogus callers made visits to the homes of elderly people in the general Dublin area in recent weeks.
The caller represents themselves as employees of local authorities indicating that they need to check gas, power or water supplies, gardaí said.
While the elderly person is preoccupied with the caller, a second person will enter the house and steal property.
One of the bogus callers is described as being 5ft 7ins in height, of slim build, between 24 and 26 and clean shaven. He spoke with a Dublin accent, wore dark clothing and was well spoken.
The second suspect is described as being 5ft 5ins in height, approximately 21 years old, with dark hair.
Home occupiers are urged to check with the organisation that callers allege to represent. If in doubt, people should contact their local gardaí immediately.