Ruse Burglaries Target Elderly Residents On West Side: Police

WEST SIDE, IL — Police are warning Northwest Side residents of a recent spike in "ruse burglaries" in the Jefferson Park and Albany Park areas. In each of the four recorded incidents, elderly residents were robbed of cash or jewelry by men posing as utility workers.

According to police, three men were able to gain access to four homes by claiming to be from an electric company and telling elderly people they had to check the wires in their house or complete other electric home repairs.

While one man distracts the person, two other men enter the home and take cash and jewelry, officials said in a community alert.

One man was described by witnesses as about 6 feet 1 inch tall. The second man was said to wear a mask, yellow vest and radio. Witnesses said he weighed around 200 to 240 pounds and was about 5 feet 10 inches tall. The third person was described only as male.

Authorities also told residents the trio may be driving a green mid-sized SUV.

So far, all incidents have taken place in the afternoon. Police recorded a Sept. 5 robbery in the 3800 block of West Foster Avenue, a Sept. 18 robbery in the 2800 block of West Eastwood Avenue, a Sept. 22 robbery in the 5000 block of North Neenah Avenue and a Sept. 23 robbery in the 4900 block of West Strong Street.

Authorities said residents should remain vigilant if they live alone and report any "suspicious people loitering" in their area.

Anyone with information should contact the Area Five Bureau of Detectives at 312-746-7394, police said.