Elderly Mt. Greenwood Residents Targeted In Ruse Burglaries

CHICAGO, IL - Senior citizens in Mount Greenwood were among the victims of a spree of ruse burglary incidents reported on the South Side of Chicago late in December. Police included an address in the 11400 block of South Kedzie Avenue as one where victims were targeted.

Police said in five separate cases in late December that men knock on the door of the home of the senior citizens and talk their way inside "using ruse tactics such as home repairs, checking the electricity, or trimming trees on the property."

While the homeowner is distracted by the ruse, a second offender walks through the house and takes cash from within. The incident in Mt. Greenwood was reported as occurring at 4 p.m. on Dec. 30.

Other similar incidents were reported in the 9700 block of South Houston on Dec. 18, 11700 block of South Elizabeth on Dec. 28, 9600 block of Avenue J on Dec. 30 and 8800 block of South Paulina on Dec. 21.

Police describe the offenders as two or three white men between 30 and 50 years old. They were driving different style pickup trucks.

The following tips were provided by police to help Chicago residents prevent becoming additional victims of the ruse.

• Always ask for identification from strangers who claim to be representatives of organizations or utility companies.

• Contact 311 to ensure that work is being done in your community before allowing entry.

• Call a neighbor, a friend, a relative, or 9-1-1 if strangers appear at your door asking for you to come outside, or be allowed in your house.

• Do not leave your home unattended or unsecured at any time.

• Be aware of this situation and alert neighbors in the area about this crime.

• Contact 911 to report suspicious activities, people and autos.

• Call 911 immediately and provide a detailed description of any suspicious people including any vehicle description and license plate information

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