They're warning of bogus callers looking to gain entry to properties.
Gardai in the Midlands are warning of an increase in burglaries in the run up to Christmas.
It comes after a house in the Stradbally area was targeted by someone posing as an ESB worker needing to install lights.
It's estimated that 1 in 5 thieves gain entry through unlocked windows and doors.
Laois/Offaly Crime Prevention Officer Graham Kavanagh says it's important to make people who don't use social media aware of the threat: