Three men have been arrested by gardaí investigating suspected rogue traders in Cork city.
The men, who are all aged in their 20s, were arrested this morning and are being held at Togher and Bridewell Garda stations.
Gardaí have been conducting extra patrols and surveillance operations as part of their investigation, which is described as ongoing.
It follows an incident in the Bishopstown area, in August.
A woman in her 70s reported that men had arrived at her home uninvited and agreed to clean her driveway for €900.
The men said the roof needed to be fixed along with other jobs and the woman felt pressured into paying over €5,450.
When she had run out of cash she was asked to go to the bank to withdraw more money.
The woman later found there was paint damage to her driveway and house, as well as damage caused to her patio slabs.
Gardaí say they have also increased the number of checkpoints carried out in conjunction with the Department of Social Welfare.
Crime Prevention Officer for Cork city, Sergeant Brian McSweeney said: "If you suspect that anyone who calls to your door selling goods or services is not who they say they are, tell them you are not interested and call the gardaí immediately.
"Genuine trade's people won't be offended by any queries that you or gardaí may make," he said.
