Elmhurst cops issue scam warning

Elmhurst police are cautioning residents about scammers who may be operating in the area after an attempted residential burglary last week on the 200 block of South Poplar Avenue.

Police said the homeowner discovered a man inside her house around 2:10 p.m. Feb. 24. The suspect fled when the woman shouted at him.

The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic in his late 30s, standing about 6 feet tall and weighing roughly 150 pounds. He had short black hair and was wearing dark clothing.

It appears the suspect entered the house while another man was trying to keep the homeowner occupied in the backyard discussing possible landscaping work. The second suspect is described as a Hispanic standing 5 feet 7 inches and weighing around 200 pounds. He was wearing gray-colored clothing.

Police said their investigation revealed this was a common scam in which one person tells the homeowner they need repairs to their home and lures them outside to talk while a second person enters the residence looking for valuables.

Residents need to be extra cautious, police say, when approached by anyone asking to do home repair work or property line or fence inspections. Suspicious activity should immediately be reported to police.

Anyone with information about this or similar crimes is asked to call police at (630) 530-3050 or contact policeinfo@elmhurst.org.