Waukegan residents latest victim of home burglary ruse
The Waukegan Police Department is the latest suburban force to warn its residents of a widespread home burglary ruse targeting elderly homeowners.
A recent string of burglaries involves a con man tricking homeowners into walking into their backyards, while an accomplice burglarizes the home, according to police.
In Waukegan, the con man has been telling residents that he just purchased, or is planning to purchase the home next door, and would like to show the homeowner where he is planning on building a fence or other improvement along the property line.
The accomplices who rob the home then call the original con man to give him the all clear and in most cases, victims have not been aware of the thefts for a long period of time, according to police.
Similar cases have been reported by police departments throughout the suburbs including the Schaumburg, Palatine, Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights departments.
In one instance in May, $60,000 worth of jewelry was taken from a Buffalo Grove home, and in late August nearly $6,000 in jewelry was taken from a Palatine residence.
“Although this is a new method of Confidence Scam, the targeted victims remain to be the unwitting or elderly persons,” said Waukegan Police Chief Daniel Greathouse.
“Due to the continued economic shortfalls, criminals are becoming more creative in their swindling techniques.”
Police are urging residents to hide their jewelry and to ask anyone coming to their door, such as a utility company employee, for proper identification.