Ruse Burglaries Surge In Oak Lawn Targeting Elderly Residents

OAK LAWN, IL — Oak Lawn has experienced a surge in ruse burglaries and attempted ruse burglaries that have occurred between June 14 and August 8. Police say the suspected burglaries pose as “village employees” needing to get into homes to test thee water or gas leaks. Most of the crimes have targeted elderly residents.

The purported burglars have been described as male, wearing a reflective vest, face mask and glasses. Their modus operandi is to approach residents usually outside their house or at the door alone. The man asks residents to take him to the basement or elsewhere inside the house as a second or third accomplice enters the home and rummages through bedrooms stealing jewelry and electronics, police said.

Vehicles spotted in the burglaries to date are a gold Chevrolet Cavalier; a smaller tan SUV, possibly a Ford Escape or Ford Edge; and a black sedan. Other towns have reported the suspects telling senior citizens that they are disinfecting water for COVID-19.

Vehicles involved in the incidents to date are a gold Chevrolet Cavalier, a tan smaller SUV possibly a Ford Escape; and a black sedan.

• 6600 block of 93rd Street
• 6700 block of 92nd Place
• 11400 of Foxwoods Drive
• 9500 block of Massasoit
• 5600 block of 89th Street, and
• two incidents reported in the 10700 block of Lacrosse

Residents who observe suspicious persons or activity in their neighborhoods, should call 911. Do not let anyone into your home that you did not call or request to come. Ask anyone claiming to be from the village to produce their Village of Oak Lawn ID. Water and public works employees will rarely come to your home without prior notification. Residents can caIl the water department at 708-499-7747, or public works at 708-499-7756.

Please share this information with elderly family members, friends and neighbors who may not have access to a computer.