Ruse Burglaries On The Rise: Lake County Deputies

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Following an increase in ruse burglaries, the Lake County Sheriff's Office is warning residents to be careful, use good judgment and report anything suspicious.

"Northern Illinois tends to see an increase in ruse burglaries during the summer months," the department said in a news release. "Ruse burglars have already been striking this summer in Lake County and surrounding areas."

A ruse burglary is a distraction technique used to lure homeowners outside of their home, according to the sheriff's office. After the homeowner is outside the home and distracted by one person, another person enters the home typically targeting items to steal such as cash, jewelry, and other items of value.

Deputies said suspects will use many excuses to lure homeowners outside their home, including claims of being subcontracted by local government, ploys of a broken pipe, schemes for landscaping services such as tree trimming, fence line questions, etc.

In addition to luring homeowners outside the home, some offenders will divert homeowners’ attention inside their home. Deputies said there are also instances when offenders will remain inside with homeowners, distracting them inside their house, while other people will enter the home unbeknownst to homeowners. Senior citizens are frequently the intended target of these crimes.

“When these con artists strike, we often see the vulnerable lose valuable keepsakes that have tremendous sentimental value. Please tell your neighbors, family, and friends about these scams. Never hesitate to call your local law-enforcement if you see suspicious activity or a suspicious vehicle in your neighborhood," Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.

To avoid becoming a target, the Lake County Sheriff's Office offers the following tips:

• Never allow anyone inside your home without a prescheduled appointment
• If an individual claims affiliation with your local government, ask the person to produce identification and call the government office to verify the individual
• Do not exit your home with an unscheduled visitor, leaving your home and valuables as potential targets
• Keep an extra watch on elderly neighbors and family members reminding them of these types of criminal behaviors
• Educate your relatives and neighbors (especially the elderly), informing them ruse burglaries are on the increase in Lake County
• Immediately report any suspicious activity by calling 911