Gardaí warn elderly people to be vigilant of rogue traders operating this Christmas period Gardaí have given a number of tips on how to keep safe. By Garreth MacNamee Saturday 19 Dec 2020, 10:00 AM Dec 19th 2020, 10:00 AM 16,139 Views 0 Comments Gardaí conducting a rogue trader checkpoint in September of this year. Image: Garda Press Office Image: Garda Press Office GARDAÍ HAVE WARNED elderly people to beware of rogue traders attempting to carry out needless repair work on homes across the country this festive period. Earlier this year, officers based in Cork city identified 50 people they suspected to be carrying out these works. Most of the time, the men targeted widows or elderly couples and get them to hand over thousands of euro for repair works that were never needed in the first place.