Jewelry Stolen in 'Ruse' Burglary in Wilmette

A female resident of the 600 block of Laramie in Wilmette had jewelry stolen during a “ruse” burglary on Nov. 24.

According to police, the woman engaged in a conversation with an unknown “Hispanic looking” man who rang her doorbell claiming to be a former neighbor and offered to trim some trees in the back yard.

Police say the man maneuvered the victim to the front door in an attempt to get her outside. After refusing to go outside, the victim returned to the kitchen where she encountered a second “Hispanic looking” subject who had just entered the home and was on his way upstairs.

The first man said his partner just needed to use the bathroom, and approximately 15 minutes later the pair left, along with some of the victim’s jewelry.