Justice Man Nabbed In Ruse Burglary: Cook County Sheriff

COOK COUNTY, IL — A Justice man accused of posing as a water department employee and ripping off an elderly homeowner in a ruse burglary, Cook County Sheriff’s Police said. Kevin Miller, 23, has been charged with one felony count of residential burglary.

Around 3:15 p.m. Monday, sheriff’s police responded to a burglary call in the 10600 block of Wrightwood Avenue in unincorporated Leyden Township. When they arrived, officers said that a man later identified as Miller, convinced the 89-year-old homeowner to allow him into the home to perform a water test. While Miller distracted the resident in the kitchen, his alleged accomplices entered the home and went through the bedrooms, sheriff’s police said. The suspects left the residence with jewelry and then drove away.

Officers observed the vehicle and found the driver, Miller, of 8000 block of Marion Drive in Justice, alone in the vehicle along with jewelry, sheriff’s police said. The jewelry was later identified as the items taken from the elderly homeowner’s residence. Miller was charged with residential burglary, a Class 1 felony, on March 15. and was issued a $100,000 D-bond on March 16.

Ruse burglaries pose as contractors, a new neighbor, or a public works or utility employee to distract victims while others enter the home to steal valuables. Residents can help protect themselves from being victimized by these types of burglaries by using the following tips:

• Keep your storm door locked and/or talk through the door, and don’t let anyone you are not expecting into your home.
• If the person says he or she is a utility employee or with the local municipality, call that agency to verify that an employee has legitimate business at your home. Do not use the phone number the person at the door provides.
• If you’re working outside in the yard, keep all the doors to your house locked and carry your house keys in your pocket.
• Note any vehicle information – license plate, make, and model of the vehicle.
• Call 911 immediately if you encounter anyone suspicious