Ruse Burglar Poses as Village Employee, Steals $5K in Jewelry: Police

A burglar pretending to be a La Grange village employee took more than $5,000 in jewelry March 5 during a ruse-entry scam, police said.

The burglar rang the doorbell of a home in the 600 block of South Catherine around 2 p.m. and said he was there on behalf of the village to help with snow removal, police said.

He asked to come into the home while speaking with the resident. Police believe that an accomplice entered the home and stole the jewelry while the first man distracted the resident.

La Grange Police Department Investigator Patrick Fulla said that village employees would never ask to enter a home unless it is an emergency or an appointment with Public Works. They also would not ask to discuss exterior work inside the house, he said.

All village employees carry an ID, which residents should ask to see.

“If they can’t produce it, that’s an issue,” Fulla said.

If you doubt that someone who knocks on your door works for the village, call the police department and they will be able to verify the person’s status immediately. If the person is misrepresenting himself, Fulla said he'll often take off with the mere mention of calling the police.

Fulla also recommends getting to know your neighbors and checking on elderly people who live on your block. Offenders in this type of burglary will often say they’re working on a project next door. If you stay up-to-date with your neighbors, you’re more likely to know whether the claim is true. 

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