Retired Schaumburg Cop Warns about Ruse Burglaries and how They Can be Prevented

Seniors are usually intended targets for ruse burglaries.

Submitted by David Brimm

With increasing regularity, strangers come to the door posing as utility workers, city employees or contractors. They may even be dressed in a reflective vest or other type of uniform, and may even carry fake credentials. They claim to be looking for problems in the home such as bacteria in the water, electrical problems, etc.

Once they gain access to the home, the crew separates, so while the homeowner is distracted, others in the group search for valuables. This is becoming a growing problem, especially for seniors. To prevent yourself from becoming a victim, retired North Shore police officer John Good, offers his perspective on staying safe.

• Verify the identity of the visitor! Badges and IDs can easily be faked. If you do not know the person at the door, ask if there is a phone number you can call to verify their identity. Ask to speak to a manager or supervisor. If they don't have an appointment with you, they probably aren't real employees.

• Limit access to your home. Conduct your conversation through a locked front door. Keep your other doors locked during the conversation, including side doors and back doors, and do not allow access to your home for any reason. Do not step outside. Ask the visitors to return to their vehicle while you confirm their identity.

• Pay attention to the visitors! Whenever you are speaking with them, look them squarely in the face so they are aware you can identify them again in the future. Remember how they are dressed. Do they a distinctive accent? Tattoos? Facial hair? Scars? Note the car or truck that was driven. Is there a recognized logo or identity? What was the make or model, and the license plate? Make note of the direction they head when they are leaving, to make it easier for responding police to track and stop them.

• Ruse burglaries happen in patterns. It is not unusual for thieves to pick out a neighborhood they see as vulnerable. If you come into contact with these thieves contact the local police department. Warn your neighbors to be more vigilant.

John Good, is a Schaumburg resident and a retired 41-year veteran of a suburban police department, and the author of "Blood on the Badge."