88-Year-Old Aurora Woman Victim of Scam: Police

Aurora Police are investigating an apparent scam that victimized an 88-year-old woman on the West Side last week that resulted in someone stealing over $12,000 in jewelry from her residence.

The woman reported that at about 2 p.m. on Aug. 4, she answered a knock at the front door of her home in the 600 block of West Galena Blvd., and was greeted by a man purporting to work for the City’s Water Department, police said. The man told the victim that, due to a problem in the area, he had to check her water and if she didn’t allow him to do so, the city would shut her service off for an extended period of time.

The man then allegedly went into the kitchen and proceeded to run the victim’s water and explain various pipes to her that were located underneath the sink. The man left after several minutes, saying he would return shortly, but never did. The woman later discovered that the rooms on the home’s second floor were rifled through and various pieces of jewelry were missing, police said.

Police believe the suspect was working with someone else who was able to gain entry into the home while the suspect distracted the homeowner.

The suspect was described as a white male, 5’10”, 250 pounds, with a goatee and mustache who spoke with an Italian accent, according to the woman. He was driving a black, newer model automobile with tinted windows that he had parked in the driveway of the residence. The suspect with whom he was working was never observed by the victim.

Residents are reminded to always ask for identification from anyone purporting to be from a utility company or claiming to be a City worker. Most utility workers wear some type of company uniform and all carry proper identification. Most will also be in some type of marked vehicle. City of Aurora workers always wear clearly identifiable uniforms and drive vehicles that include the City logo and a visible identification number. All workers also carry identification cards they will show upon request.

Police also urge residents to leave a locked screen door between themselves and anyone they do not know. If there is ever a “gut” feeling that something is not right, do not open the door and immediately call 911.

Anyone with any information on the incident should call Aurora Police investigators at(630) 256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000. Callers to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5000 for information that leads to any arrests. Tips can also be submitted through the Aurora Police Department’s free app available through iTunes, the Android Market, or Amazon App Store. Simply search for “My Police Department”, find the Aurora Police, and download.