Elderly Woman's Money, Valuables Stolen In 'Ruse Burglary'

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL – Ruse burglars have surfaced in the south suburbs, according to Cook County Sheriff’s Police. A 94-year-old woman in unincorporated Palos Heights was followed into her home by a man posing as an Uber driver.

Around 4 p.m. Sunday, the man approached the woman outside her home in the 6000 block of West 127th Place in unincorporated Palos Heights. The woman told police the man began chatting her up in a way that gave her the impression that he knew her. While talking to her outside, the man convinced her to continue their conversation inside her home.

The man was inside her home the entire time. He left after receiving a phone call, telling the resident he was an Uber driver and had to pick someone up. He left in a white vehicle, possibly an SUV or small van. Later, the woman noticed that her bedroom dresser and closet had been rummaged through and money was missing.

Sheriff’s police the woman was victimized by a ruse burglar. The offender distracts victims, usually elderly people by pretending to be a worker or a neighbor. While the victims are distracted, another person or persons enter the home and take cash and valuables, usually items of great sentimental value. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart’s office offers the following tips to protect yourself and vulnerable family members from falling victim to ruse burglars:

• Do not let anyone you are not expecting into your home.
• Talk through the door and keep the storm door locked at all times.
• If you’re out working in the yard, lock your doors and keep your key with you.
• Always have your cell phone with you.
• If someone says he or she is a utility employee, call the company to verify that the person has legitimate business at your home. Do not the use the phone number the person at the door gives you.
• Call 9-1-1 immediately if you encounter anyone suspicious.
• Review these tips with elderly loved ones and neighbors.
• Share this information with your neighbors.

Anyone with information regarding this burglary is asked to call Cook County Sheriff’s Police detectives at 708-865-4896.