Elderly Residents Report Ruse Burglaries In Will County

WILL COUNTY, IL — Elderly residents in Homer Glen, New Lenox, Crete and Manhattan have reported residential burglaries after allowing unknown men posing as workers into their homes, according to the Will County Sheriff's Office.

Police said several reports have stated that a man has knocked on the resident's door and said there is an issue with the water line and asks to come inside to look at it. One woman told police the man she allowed into her home said that "the coronavirus was in the neighborhood water" and asked to come in and take samples.

While the man is inside the home distracting the resident, others enter the home and rob the victims of jewelry and cash, police said.

Other reports have been related to seal coating driveways or trees needing to be removed from property lines. Again, while one person distracts the homeowner outside, others enter the home without being seen.

According to police, in many of the reports, the men were wearing neon-colored construction vests and walkie-talkies, and drove trucks or vans.

The Sheriff's Office is asking residents to be aware of these reports. If you see someone suspicious, don't hesitate to call police. If you have an elderly relative or neighbor, you can have a conversation with them and educate them, so they do not become a victim.