Fake Water Department Workers Steal From Home: Cops

FRANKFORT, IL — Two men stole valuables from a home during a ruse burglary on Monday, Frankfort Police said. Police responded to the 500 block of Aberdeen at 4 p.m. Monday after a report of a ruse burglary, according to a Nixle alert from police.

The men claimed to work for the water department and were allowed access to the home after saying they needed to check pipes in the basement, police said. The men were able to take valuables from the home without the homeowner's knowledge.

Police said no one was physically harmed during the burglary.

The first man was described as 60 years old, wearing a blue surgical type face mask, yellow/orange reflector vest, blue jeans, construction boots and no gloves. The second man was 40 years old with a skinny build, and wearing the same type of clothing as the first man, according to police.

Police reminded residents to always verify the identity of any workers who come to your home without an appointment. All legitimate workers should have credentials with them to verify their names and employment. You can call their employer’s listed phone number to verify their employment and their purpose at your residence.

If you are suspicious of a worker’s legitimacy, you should call the Frankfort Police Department immediately for assistance. If anyone has information to related to this incident, call the Frankfort Police Department at 815-469-9435.