Western Springs House Burglarized In Middle Of Day

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — A house in a Western Springs neighborhood was burglarized in the middle of the day Tuesday, police said.

About 2 p.m. in the 400 block of Western Avenue, the burglars entered by force through a side door and stole multiple items of jewelry, according to a police news release. Three suspects were seen in a gray Mazda 5 minivan (2006 to 2010) with no license plates, police said.

One of them was described as 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-3, having a medium build, carrying a red and black tool bag, having a portable two-way radio clipped to the hip, and wearing a black coat over a light-colored hooded sweatshirt and black shoes. Another suspect appeared to be walking in the area wearing a reflective vest, police said.

Police said the suspects appeared to be males, but the photo and video quality were unclear.

This is video of the suspects' gray Mazda 5 minivan, Western Springs police said.

Since September 2021, the Western Springs Police Department and neighboring agencies have received more reports of residential and ruse burglaries, the release said. According to police, in these incidents, criminals ring the doorbell or knock, and if no one answers, they attempt to enter.

If someone answers, a criminal poses as a tradesman and laborer in the attempt to gain entry. Once inside, the suspect will use a diversion to get the resident in the basement or back yard. Then another person will enter the house taking valuables.

"These criminals are bold and convincing. They usually target the elderly," Western Springs police said.

Here's what the police advise:

• Don’t let strangers into your home
• Keep your doors locked and alarm activated
• Don’t provide your personal information

Call 911 if you observe any of the following:

• -Unfamiliar subjects appearing from between or the rear of homes
• -Unfamiliar subjects knocking on doors
• -Unfamiliar vehicles parked or driving in the area