Coronavirus-Related Burglary In Western Springs

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — A person posing as a plumber asked to check an elderly resident's water Friday afternoon, while another person stole jewelry worth several thousand dollars, police announced Monday. A man told the resident that he was there to check the water because several people in the area had become ill with the coronavirus from the water supply, police said.

The supposed plumber asked the resident to check the water in the basement. Meanwhile, the other person entered and stole the jewelry, according to a police news release. It happened about 3:30 p.m. in the 1300 block of Oak Street. The incident lasted less than five minutes.

The man posing as a plumber was described as 30, white but darker-skinned and wearing a reflective vest, a black jacket, black jeans and black wool gloves.

Two cars that may have been associated with the crime were seen leaving the area, one a dark SUV and another a white work van, police said. No plates or identifying features were visible on the vehicles, according to the release.

Police have tips for residents to avoid being targets:

• Do not allow people in your home when you have not called beforehand to complete work.
• Contact utility companies to verify if anyone at the door is with the company.
• No one is conducting door-to-door testing, and there is no issue with the water supply relating to the virus.
• Never leave your doors unattended while speaking with someone.
• If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, exhibits high-pressure sales tactics or behaves strangely, get a license plate number or other identifying information and call the police.

If anyone has any information related to the incident on Oak Street, call the Western Springs Police Department at 708-246-8540.

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