Homewood and Flossmoor Police Warn Community of Ruse Burglaries

and issued community alerts this week, asking residents to be on the lookout for deceptive burglars who have been targeting area residents.

These warnings come after a recent incident in Homewood:

A couple living in the 1800 block of Evergreen Road were the latest victims of a ruse type residential burglary. 

The couple told police that a Hispanic man approached the home around 2 p.m. claiming to be a new neighbor. He asked to show in the back yard where he was planning to work along their adjacent properties, and during this made several phone calls in Spanish. After he left, police said, the couple found that cash was missing from underneath their mattress.

According to police, senior citizens are often the targets of these types of burglaries. Subjects may speak a foreign language similar to Spanish or Polish.

Police say the burglars attempt to distract residents in or outside their homes so an accomplice can sneak inside to steal valuables, often cash and jewelery.

Common False Identities Include:

• New Neighbor
• Utility Worker
• Village Employee
• Construction Worker

Common False Stories Include:

• Installing a fence and need you to check the property line
• Checking on your water meter or working on broken water main
• Cutting trees or performing a service that may affect your property
• Checking on work that was done for you or your neighbor

How Can You Combat A Ruse Burglary?

• Call "911" if there is someone at your home that you believe is trying to deceive you.
• The police will come out and verify the identity of anyone in your neighborhood.
• Ask for identification from anyone that comes to your door and wants to enter your home.
• Employees of the village can be verified by required work identification.
• Utility companies such as ComEd, Nicor and Comcast issue their employees identification.
• Ask what company the person works for and call that company to verify.
• Write down any vehicle information such as license plate, make, model and color.