Labour TD for Dublin North Central, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has spoken of the growing problem of rogue workmen targeting elderly people, and this issue being complicated further by their victims' reluctance in reporting their experience.

He said: "Residents at one of my Community Policing Forum meetings in Drumcondra last week spoke of neighbours being exploited for hundreds of euro for menial jobs by rogue workmen, but being too embarrassed to report it to the Gardaí.

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"Often when an elderly person knows that they have been conned, the sense of embarrassment or shame can prevent them from informing neighbours or reporting the incident to the Gardaí.

"Unfortunately this has the unintentional effect of allowing such workmen to continue to abuse the confidence of other elderly neighbours.

"It is important to send the message that all reporting such incidents to the Gardaí is incredibly important, and that there is no shame in making a mistake.

"Age Action Ireland also offer a 'Care and Repair' service which offers free household jobs completed by reputable workmen with Garda Clearance.

"I encourage residents to keep an eye on their elderly neighbours during these uncertain times as the number of burglaries continue to rise in Dublin and across the country."

(CD)