Rise In Ruse Burglaries Reported In Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Authorities in Lake County say there has been a rise in ruse burglaries reported in recent weeks and are urging residents to be cautious.

During the burglaries, one person typically uses some sort of distraction to lure homeowners and residents out of their homes while another person goes into the homes and steals items from the residence, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The burglars use many excuses to lure homeowners out of their homes, including claims of being subcontracted by local government and schemes that involve offering services to fix broken pipes or remedy landscaping issues, such as tree trimming, fence line questions and more, according to authorities.

Some burglar will divert a homeowners’ attention to inside their home where one person will remain inside with homeowners, distracting them, while another person enters the home and steals jewelry, cash and other valuables.

Often times, senior citizens are targeted during these crimes.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is reminding residents to take these precautions:

• 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 unattended
• 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