News You Can Use: Ruse Burglary Prevention

After Winnetka, Glencoe and Northfield police departments issued alerts to their residents about ruse burglaries earlier this fall, Patch offers ruse news you can use.

What is a ruse burglary?

It is an attempt to gain entry into someone's house through deception, usually with the intent to steal valuables, according to Winnetka Cmdr. Marc Hornstein, and seniors are often targeted.

Offenders will pose usually as outside workers, such as surveyors, utility company workers or tree trimmers, to get home owners outside.

Once outside the home, another offender will sneak inside the home to snatch small items, such as jewelry, flatware or cash.

Why are ruse burglaries becoming more of a concern?

Hornstein said that criminals' organization has strengthened in recent years.

"The attributes I can hook to the rise is not magical," said Hornstein. "People are just working harder to benefit through criminal activity."

Winnetkans have not reported any ruse burglaries in the past year, according to police, but Glencoe residents have gone to police about a handful of incidents in the past year.

How can you prevent a ruse burglary?

According to the police:

1. When someone comes to your door, ask for identification, then call police and have them verify.

Non-emergency lines
: 847-501-6034
: 847-835-4112
: 847-446-2131

2. Don’t leave your house or allow anyone inside your house.

3. Check on your neighbors if you see any suspicious behavior on your street.

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