$35K Stolen In Wheaton's 2nd Ruse Burglary In 1 Week: Cops

WHEATON, IL — Four men claiming to be water department employees stole around $35,000 worth of jewelry during a ruse burglary in Wheaton Wednesday, the second reported in the city in days. The most recent burglary took place in the 100 block of Mitchell Circle, a news release said.

Police say a man wearing a reflective vest came to the home's driveway around 1:40 p.m. and told a resident he needed to check their water meter. The resident took the man to the backyard.

At that time, three other men entered the home and told another resident they needed them to empty the area under their kitchen sink to allow for maintenance work. This made the resident suspicious, police say, and they asked the men to leave.

The four men got into a dark Volkswagen with an orange license plate and drove north. After the men left, the residents noticed their bedroom had been rifled through and around $35,000 in jewelry was missing, police say.

The suspects were described as follows in the news release:

• Hispanic male, between 45 and 50 years old, standing six feet tall with a heavy build; last seen wearing dark pants and a reflective vest
• Hispanic male, between 35 and 40 years old, standing six feet tall with a thin build; last seen wearing black clothes
• White male, between 35 and 40 years old, standing six feet two inches tall with a thin build; last seen wearing black clothes and a black face mask
• Black male, between 45 and 50 years old, standing five feet nine inches tall with a heavy build; last seen wearing a tan shirt and pants

Roughly $3,000 in jewelry was reported stolen from a bedroom during a ruse burglary in the 300 block of West Union Avenue Saturday.

In the wake of these recent burglaries, Wheaton police are urging residents to remain vigilant for ruse burglaries. They note that City of Wheaton employees and utility workers will have official identification from their employers.

City officials also recommend residents:

• Ask workers for identification before letting them into your home or onto your property.
• Be aware that burglars may wear reflective vests and carry clipboards in an attempt to look legitimate.
• When in doubt, call the listed employer or the City of Wheaton to confirm the appointment.
• Be wary of workers who say they are offering discounts in the area.
• If you go outside with someone claiming to be a worker, lock your home while you are outside.
• If you are suspicious of a person or who need help with verification can call 911 for assistance.

Residents who have information about these ruse burglaries are urged to contact the Wheaton Police Department at 630-260-2161.

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