Alert Homeowner Thwarts Ruse Burglary Attempt, 'Roofer' Flees

PALOS PARK, IL — 'Tis the season of home repair scams, and Palos Park police are alerting residents to a possible ruse burglary attempt that occurred Tuesday afternoon, where a “roofer” attempted to lure an older homeowner into the backyard.

Around 2:40 p.m., police said the homeowner was approached by outside his home in the 12500 block of 82nd Avenue by a roofer who claimed he had extra materials. He was willing to do repairs and wanted the homeowner to follow him to the back of the house.

The homeowner refused and called 9-1-1. The helpful “roofer” fled the area, driving away in as SUV with no markings, police said.

A ruse burglary is a crime of deception, often involving people posing as utility workers, municipal employees, repair people, water inspectors or other type of service. Seal coating driveways and roof repair are the most common scams. A common excuse for entering the home is to check the homeowner’s water.