Nicor Worker In Burr Ridge Wrongly Suspected As Criminal: Report

BURR RIDGE, IL — Police often warn residents about ruse burglaries, where suspects pose as utility workers to distract homeowners, so they can have partners commit burglaries.

On Tuesday, though, one such worker was apparently legitimate. According to a Burr Ridge police report, a resident in the 400 block of Kirkwood Cove informed police that a man representing himself as a Nicor employee wanted to come inside and check pilot lights. The resident told police that the man left in a work van when she asked for identification.

An officer found the van, which was registered to Nicor. The officer spoke with the Nicor employee, who said the utility has a list of 1,800 residences to visit to check for leaking pilot lights and gas meters, police said. He said he left the resident's address when she requested he wear a face covering, the police report said.