Attempted Ruse Burglary In Darien Thwarted

DARIEN, IL — A man showed up at an elderly Darien resident's door Tuesday, telling her she had a problem with her water system and that he needed to enter to check it out, according to a Darien police news release. When the man was confronted by the resident's younger son, he left immediately in a dark older model station wagon, police said. The incident happened about 1 p.m. in the 2200 block of Donegal Drive.

The crime is known as a ruse burglary. Ruse burglars often distract and engage homeowners in conversation while a second burglar enters the home and removes valuables.

At no time, Darien police said, should a service company ask to enter someone's house without notice. Residents are urged to call police if someone shows up unscheduled asking for entry.

In the latest case, the man was described as white, in his 60s and wearing a reflective vest. If people have information or video related to the incident, they are asked to call the Darien Police Department at 630-971-3999, referencing case number 20-9964

Ruse burglaries or attempted ones have happened recently in Western Springs, Burr Ridge and Elmhurst.

Here are details about recent ruse burglaries in nearby suburbs:

How A Ruse Burglary Happened In Western Springs

How A Ruse Burglary Happened In Burr Ridge

How A Ruse Burglary Happened in Elmhurst