Burr Ridge police are warning residents to stay sharp after a late-night ruse burglary attempt that started with a lie about a neighbor’s house being on fire. Around 10:42 p.m. Monday near 83rd Street and County Line Road, a man knocked on a home’s door and claimed a nearby house was burning, apparently to pull the resident away and distract them. The homeowner got suspicious instead, called 911 and the group took off in a dark sport-utility vehicle.
What police say
According to the Burr Ridge Police Department, the man at the door wore a gray sweatshirt and jeans and had a camouflage mask or bandana over his mouth. While he talked to the resident, others slipped into the house. Police say the suspects then left in a dark SUV and have not said whether anything was taken. As reported by CBS Chicago, officers are reminding residents that offenders often pose as utility workers, tree trimmers or handymen to get inside or lure people away from their doors.
Police advice for residents
In a community alert, Burr Ridge police revisited some basic but critical safety rules, urging residents not to let strangers into their homes and to demand identification from anyone claiming to be a worker, according to the Burr Ridge Police Department. The alert encourages people to verify any supposed utility emergency directly with the utility company or by calling 911, to keep doors and garage doors locked, and, when it is safe, to record vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers. It also notes that offenders may wear fluorescent vests or use walkie-talkies to look like legitimate crews.
A recurring scam across suburbs
Burr Ridge is not alone in dealing with this kind of scam. Communities across the north and west suburbs have issued similar warnings as ruse burglaries continue to crop up, with police saying offenders often profile neighborhoods and look for seniors. The Roselle Police Department has outlined how suspects commonly pose as utility workers or contractors and may coax homeowners outside while partners slip in to steal valuables. Local departments say many of these ruse entries take place on weekdays and can go unreported, which makes tracking the suspects more difficult.
How neighbors can help
Police are asking neighbors to keep an eye out for each other and to call 911 right away if someone persistent or suspicious shows up at a home. Officers recommend noting vehicle descriptions and license plates but not confronting anyone. The nearby Riverwoods Police Department also advises residents to verify a worker’s identity with the village or the utility before even opening the door. Quick, detailed reporting gives investigators the best shot at catching suspects while they are still in the area.
If you see suspicious activity in Burr Ridge, call 9-1-1 or the police non-emergency line at (630) 323-8181, the Village of Burr Ridge says. Police have not disclosed what, if anything, was taken in the most recent incident, CBS Chicago reported. Residents can also sign up for emergency alerts through the village’s Nixle system, according to the village website.
