Police are warning residents in Lake and McHenry counties about multiple recent ruse burglaries where the suspect entered or attempted to enter homes while pretending to be a worker.
The Lindenhurst Police Department responded around 4:10 p.m. Friday to a residence on Old Farm Court in Lindenhurst for a report of a suspicious incident.
A male subject was at the home posing as a Village of Lindenhurst Public Works employee.
The man asked to enter the home to inspect the water due to reported damage to a nearby water pipe, police said.
The male subject was wearing all black clothing with a black neck gaiter that covered his face.
The resident denied the suspect entry to the home and the resident called the village hall to ask if public works had staff working in the area.
The Lindenhurst Police Department was immediately called after the resident learned that the public works department did not have anyone working in the area at the time.
The department said the incident is similar in nature to two other recent reports taken in Lake County and McHenry County.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office had responded to a similar incident in the Grandwood Park neighborhood just prior to the Lindenhurst incident.
The McHenry Police Department responded on Saturday to a similar incident where the resident was lured outside while a second suspect burglarized the home.
Ruse burglaries are committed by offenders who generally travel in pairs.
One offender uses a “ruse” to distract the victim while the other offender enters the home to steal cash, jewelry and other items.
Ruse burglaries occur when victims are physically present at the home and distracted by the ruse.
Common ruses typically involve the suspect coming up with a problem involving landscaping, gutters, seal coating, home water supply, electrical and property lines.
The Lindenhurst Police Department said the public should be on the lookout for the scams.
Police recommend not allowing anyone inside their home unless a scheduled appointment was made or they know them personally.
Residents should take notice of the vehicle a solicitor is driving and their attire and physical characteristics.
Those who choose to speak with a solicitor or someone who claims to be a utility worker should never leave their front door unlocked or unattended.
A legitimate utility or government worker will never object when asked for identification, police said.
It is important that residents verify with the utility company or local government agency to see if the person was actually sent to their residence.
The Lindenhurst Police Department said they encourage anyone with additional information regarding the incidents to contact them at 847-356-5400.