Man Pretends to Be Service Provider, Robs Elderly

Libertyville police are investigating a report of a ruse entry burglary in the 100 block of Woodland Road on Nov. 22.

The 89-year-old female resident said a man knocked on her door and told her that he needed to check on a downed wire in her back yard. The man then walked through the house and led the resident to the back yard. The man was apparently talking with someone on his cell phone during the incident. After he left, the resident noticed several pieces of jewelry missing from her home.

Libertyville Police Chief Clinton Herdegen says ruse entry burglars typically prey on the elderly, so he is asking residents to look out for their neighbors and to contact police if they see something suspicious.

Often times, ruse entry burglar often show up unannounced and pose as a service provider and claim they need access to homes back yards. They will then distract the homeowner while another subject enters the residence and burglarizes the house. In most cases cash, jewelry and small electronic items are taken, according to Herdegen.

“It is a good idea to keep your valuables in a safe or hidden in an area that is not easily accessible, but most importantly, do not let strangers into your home,” he said.

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