Western Springs Ruse Burglary: Woman Targeted

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Two men claiming to work for the gas company stole $10,000 in jewelry from a Western Springs woman's house Tuesday, police said.

The incident happened about 4:30 p.m. in the 4000 block of Hampton Avenue, according to a police news release.

The woman's daughter called 911 to say the two men were in her mother's house, police said. The mother apparently let them in after they said they were gas company workers.

When an officer arrived, the two men left in a late model silver or white Ford Escape, which was parked in the woman's driveway, police said The jewelry was removed from a bedroom, police said.

The first man was described as Hispanic, 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, and wearing a mask, navy-colored jacket and a baseball cap.

The second man was described as Hispanic, 5-foot-9, 160 pounds, having a thin build, and wearing a mask and all black clothing.

A third person was also said to have been in the car.

A ruse burglary is when one person distracts the homeowner while another enters the house and commits theft.

In another Western Springs burglary, $12,000 worth of copper plumbing and insulation were stolen from a home construction project in the 4000 block of Grove Avenue, police said. The house was unoccupied.

The theft happened between 3:30 p.m. Monday and 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. Police said they found no signs of forced entry, as the rear patio doors were open and undamaged.