Palatine Residents Should Watch Out for Ruse Burglars: Cops

PALATINE, IL―Police are warning residents about two men posing as water company employees who are suspected in an residential ruse burglary.

On April 22, two men claiming to be from the water company told residents at the 800 block of South Benton Street that a water pipe might have been damaged nearby, and the men needed to test faucets in the house, according to a Palatine police release.

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Once inside the house, one of the men tested the kitchen sink, while the other left the kitchen. When the other man returned, both suspects left the home and told the residents to keep running the water until they returned.

After the men left, the homeowners discovered jewelry had been taken, according to the release.

Palatine police say residents need to be cautious concerning ruse burglars, who might pose as utility workers, home repair workers or other service occupations as way to convince residents to let them into their homes. Precautions residents can take include:

• Don't open your door for people you don't know.
• Confirm the identity and purpose of strangers at your door. Legitimate utility and village workers will have photo ID cards. Also, you can call their employer to confirm their identity.
• Keep valuables in a safe.
• Keep your home locked when you're not there.
• If someone comes to your door and it doesn't feel right, call 911.