File Photo – Highland Park Police Department. | Photo: Max Weingardt.

Police say that high-end watches valued at a total of $175,000 were stolen from a Highland Park home during a ruse burglary.

The Highland Park Police Department responded around 2:19 p.m. Friday to the 1800 block of Cooper Lane for a report of a residential burglary call.

Officials said that a dark-skinned male posed as a water department employee and asked to check the water inside the residence.

The suspect “spoke loudly” as he and the resident watched the water in the kitchen faucet run for five minutes, according to a police report.

A housekeeper then witnessed a white male suspect enter a bedroom of the house and leave quickly.

The suspects fled the scene in a blue vehicle, possibly a hatchback or SUV.

The homeowner discovered a collection of high-end watches, valued at approximately $175,000, had been stolen during the incident.

The homeowner also realized a number of drawers, which contained other jewelry, were opened, the police report said.

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It is unknown what other jewelry was taken.

The incident remains under investigation by the Highland Park Police Department and anyone with information can contact them at 847-432-7730.