Police are warning North Siders about the return of so-called “ruse burglars” who distract senior citizens while accomplices steal valuables from the victims’ homes.
The new crime pattern, which involves at least four cases since December 15, is centered along California Avenue in West Rogers Park.
According to a community alert from Area Three detectives, one burglar poses as a city water department worker or tells victims that there is damage to their property to lure them out of the house.
At least one accomplice then enters the victim’s home to steal purses, cash, and jewelry.
Police linked four cases to the pattern:
- on the 6100 block of North Richmond at 4 p.m. on December 15
- on the 2700 block of West Lunt at 5 p.m. on December 20
- on the 6500 block of North Mozart at 2:25 p.m. on December 24
- on the 5800 block of North California at 4 p.m. on December 26
The burglaries are being committed by two or three White and Black men who are between 35- and 40-years-old, according to the CPD alert.
Anyone with information about the crimes can contact detectives about crime pattern P21-3-141 at 312-744-8263.