The home of an older woman was burglared in Cork after thieves allegedly deceived the victim to gain entry into her house, by assuming the false identities of animal inspectors.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána has confirmed that local gardaí received a report of an incident of burglary in the Blackpool area of Cork city on Tuesday, May 5, at approximately 5:00p.m.

According to Kenneth O'Flynn, TD for the Cork North-Central constituency, the woman, who in understood to be her 60s, has been a lifelong resident of Corkeran's Quay in Blackpool and well-known in the area.

Gardaí have confirmed that the suspects involved in the burglary - a man in his 50s and a woman in her 30s - have subsequently been arrested and charged in relation to the burglary.

Both appeared before Cork District Court yesterday (Wednesday, May 7).

O'Flynn, who is the son of county councillor, Noel O'Flynn, told Agriland that burglaries of this nature have become "all too" commonplace in Cork city, and has urged residents to remain vigilant when answering the doors to strangers.

Kenneth O'Flynn TD, said: "This is something that's becoming all too regular. We have people knocking on doors, offering to do various jobs and types of services to gain entry into a home.

"You have those rogue traders and people that are coming in saying they're gas inspectors, electricians, electricity inspectors, animal inspectors, calling from Cork City Council, calling from various other bodies. Some of them are even coming with some sort of ID.

"Ring whatever offices they claim to be calling from to confirm that they do work for them. Don't be willing to open your door to strangers, even if they have ID."

O'Flynn explained that fraudulent crime has arisen in the locality in recent times, and that "rogue traders" have "upped their game", enhancing their tactics to gain illegal entry into homes to commit burglary.