Sheriff Dart Warns Public of Ruse Burglaries
Sheriff Dart Warns Public of Ruse Burglaries (Cook County, IL) — Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart is warning the public about ruse burglaries following an incident that occurred in unincorporated Schaumburg Township.
At approximately 1:05 p.m. on March 3, Sheriff’s Police responded to a call of a suspected ruse burglary at a home in the 1500 block of Myrtle Park Street. Upon arrival, they learned that one of the unidentified offenders posed as a landscaper and entered the 88-year-old victim’s home to distract him while another offender went in search of valuables.
The offenders then left in a white vehicle, possibly a small van or an SUV. Later, the victim noticed two bedrooms had been rummaged through where jewelry and cash were missing.
Detectives believe the man was the victim of a ruse entry burglary, in which an offender distracts victims by pretending to be a worker or a neighbor. While the victims are distracted, another offender or multiple offenders enter the home to take cash and valuables.
Sheriff’s Police offer the following safety tips to help avoid becoming a victim of these types of burglaries:
- Talk through the door.
- Do not let anyone you are not expecting into your home.
- If the person says he or she is a utility employee, call that agency to verify that an employee has legitimate business at your home. Do not use the phone number the person at the door gives you.
- Note any vehicle information – license plate, make and model of the vehicle.
- Call 911 immediately if you encounter anyone suspicious.
“Ruse burglaries are especially appalling as they often target older individuals,” said Sheriff Dart. “I’m urging everyone to take extra precaution and be on the lookout because it can happen to anybody.”
Anyone with information regarding this burglary is asked to call Sheriff’s Police detectives at 708-865-4896.
Sheriff Dart Warns Public of Ruse Burglaries
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