Winnetka Police Warn Of Ruse-Style Burglaries After Local Incident

WINNETKA, IL — Winnetka Police are warning residents to be on alert for ruse-style burglaries in which people pretending to be city workers get residents out of their homes with the intent of burglarizing their homes.

Police were called this week to a home in the 1300 block of Trapp Lane after the homeowner called officers after hearing noises on the first floor of their home while they were in the basement, police said.

When the resident checked into the noises, they came in contact with an unknown man who said there was a fire in the backyard, police said. While outside, another person approached and said that they were working for the Village of Glencoe and had been performing lawn work next door.

The homeowner became suspicious and called the police.

Police officials said this activity is consistent with a ruse-style burglary and that they have seen a recent uptick in ruse burglaries in the northern suburbs. Police describe a ruse burglary as usually involving two or more people who purport themselves to be utility workers or contractors.

“Often, one of the individuals will attempt to draw the resident out of their home by telling them they need to show them a problem in the back yard,” police said. “This could be something related to phone or cable lines, tree trimming. While the resident is distracted and out of the house, the second individual enters the home and searches for valuables. The individuals may even communicate in code using radios or cell phones. “

Police are warning that when approached by unknown individuals, residents should not open the door unless they know the visitor. If the person is a legitimate utility worker or contractor, residents should ask to see their identification.

If the person does not provide identification, residents should not open the door. If residents have concerns or questions about the legitimacy of the person at their door, they should call 911 immediately, police said.