3 Men Accused Of Stealing $6K In Jewelry In Naperville Ruse Burglary

NAPERVILLE, IL — Three Cook County men face felony charges after police say they stole $6,000 in jewelry during a ruse burglary in Naperville.

Lawrence Miller, 29, of Arlington Heights, Christopher Nicholas, 36, of Chicago, and Sam Mason, 26, of Arlington Heights have been charged with residential burglary in connection with the April 11 incident. Additionally, Nicholas and Miller were charged with misdemeanor attempt of possession of burglary tools.

Police were called to a home on Waxwing Avenue around 4:38 p.m. on April 11 for a report of a ruse burglary. An elderly couple who lives at the home told police a man in a yellow safety vest approached them while they were on their porch. According to prosecutors, the man was later identified as Miller.

Miller is accused of telling the couple he needed to fix a water problem in their home and convincing one of the residents to let him into the home to inspect the water system. Police say Miller then convinced the man to take him to the home's utility boxes.

Prosecutors say Mason and Nicholas then entered the couple's home and stole $6,000 in jewelry while communicating to Miller via a two-way radio before the trio fled the scene.

After an investigation, Miller, Mason and Nicholas were arrested at a pawn shop in Schaumburg as they attempted to sell jewelry, so of which had belonged to the elderly couple in Naperville, per a news release.

"I want to caution homeowners throughout DuPage County to be on alert for this type of ruse, particularly as the weather gets nicer,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Berlin added, “Oftentimes, as alleged in this case, the perpetrators will tell the victim they are there in the interest of the victim, thereby reducing the victim’s suspicions. If you are approached by someone claiming to be from a utility company or service provider and have not received prior notification of their visit, trust your instincts. Whatever you do, do not let them into your home. Ask them where they are from and call the utility company or service provider for verification."

“This type of crime deprives people not only of their property but also their sense of security,” Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres added. “This department will continue to aggressively investigate such incidents and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. I would encourage the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to this department, as we are all partners in keeping the City of Naperville safe."

Miller and Mason are set to appear in court again on May 9. Nicholas has his next court date scheduled for May 11.