'Ruse' Burglaries On The Rise In Palatine

PALATINE, IL - Palatine police said there's been an increase in the number of ruse burglaries reported in the village. Several instances have occurred over the last month, according to a community alert shared by the Village of Palatine on Facebook.

Police have offered tips to residents as a way to prevent such burglaries, which occur when an offender uses a ruse to distract a victim at their home while they commit the crime. Here's what the police say can be done to prevent these from occurring.

Common ruses include blacktop, seal coating, or driveway repairs, questions about homeowner’s property lines, telling the homeowner about a problem outside of their home, inquiries about the home’s water pressure, offering gutter or fence repairs, tree trimming and landscaping and inquiries about homes for sale or rent in the neighborhood.

• Do not allow anyone inside of your home unless you know them or have a scheduled appointment with them
• If an individual claims to be with a local government agency, ask them for their identification and purpose for being there
• If someone comes to your house asking for help, tell them you will call the police for them
• Immediately report any suspicious activity by calling 911
• Please be ready to provide a description of the offender (height, weight, clothing, etc.), the offender’s vehicle and a license plate number
• Share this information with your neighbors, especially the elderly

Ruse burglars are known to target seniors and people living alone, according to police. The offenders typically travel in pairs, allowing one offender to distract the homeowner while the other offender enters the home to search for jewelry, cash, and other items of value to steal.

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