Hoffman cops offering crime prevention tips for seniors

The Hoffman Estates Police Department is warning senior citizens about crimes that are commonly directed toward them. These crimes are best combated through education and awareness. There has not been a marked increase in these types of crimes in Hoffman Estates, but they appear to be on the rise in nearby communities.

Ruse burglaries: In this type of crime, the offender may pose as a public utility employee or other service provider, and claim that they need access to the victim's residence to inspect their water, gas or cable components, or recent work done to the residence.

The offender will then direct the victim to an area of the residence away from where valuables may be stored, which allows his or her accomplices to enter these areas undetected and gather as many items as possible.

Victims have also been asked by offenders to come outside of their residence to look at something in their yard while their home is entered by others and burglarized.

You are encouraged to contact the Police Department by dialing 9-1-1 in the event you believe someone is trying to enter your house to carry out a crime.

Pickpocket: There have been reports of senior citizens being targeted by pickpockets while in public places. In most instances, the victim has been approached while shopping, and distracted by one of the offenders who will begin talking to the victim.

The offender may distract the victim by asking them a question or by asking them for assistance. While the victim is distracted, the offender will go into the victim's purse and remove the victim's wallet. This crime has been carried out by offenders in crowded elevators as well.

It is recommended that wallets and purses be carried in a secure manner to prevent this from occurring.