Thieves posing as utility workers steal jewelry from Palatine home

Two men posing as workers from a “water company” stole jewelry from Palatine residents who let them into their home Friday, authorities said Tuesday.

According to Palatine police, the men arrived at a home located on the 800 block of South Benton Street and told the residents they needed to test water from faucets because a pipe may have been damaged nearby.

After entering the home, one man stayed in the kitchen and ran water from the faucet while the other left the area for a short time. When the second man returned to the kitchen the two men told the residents to leave the water running until they returned and abruptly left.

The residents later checked the home to discover that pieces of jewelry had been taken.

Police said while the story given to residents may change, the method of stealing valuables does not. This type of burglary is successful when one of the offenders is able to distract residents long enough for the other thief to enter the home and remove easily carried valuables such as jewelry and cash, police said

The thieves will typically pose as workers that provide some type of service to a homeowner where they can justify entering the home or where they can coax the resident out of the home, according to police.

Police say residents should confirm the identity and purpose of the person by asking for photo identification cards or calling their employer. Always obtain the phone number yourself, do not call the number provided by the person, police said, adding that residents should call 911 if they feel something is not right.