Ruse Burglary in Des Plaines

The Cook County Sheriff's Office is investigating a possible ruse burglary in Des Plaines.

On Thursday at around 4:15 p.m. a 92-year-old woman answered the door of her residence on the 9600 block of Reding Circle. A man claimed there was an electrical emergency in the house and walked inside.

The man walked into the kitchen with the woman while he spoke on a communication device in a foreign language. The man left and the woman later realized that jewelry had been taken. Sheriff's Police believe the woman was a victim of a ruse burglary, where one perpetrator distracts the victim and another takes items from the house.

The man was approximately 5’ 10” tall with a crew cut hair style, a heavy build and wore a gray winter jacket. He drove away in a cream-colored SUV.

The Sheriff's Office suggests the following tips to prevent burglary scams:

• Do not let anyone you are not expecting into your home.
• Talk through the door.
• If the person says he or she is utility or company employee, call that agency to verify that an employee has legitimate business at your home. Do not use the phone number the person at the door gives you for their agency.

• Call 9-1-1 immediately if you encounter anyone suspicious.

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