“Ruse” Burglaries
Updated December 31, 2010

The Lake County Sheriff reports another "ruse" burglary occurred this afternoon in the Village. The following incident occurred this afternoon on Cumberland Circle:

3 subjects, described by the victim as Hispanic, arrived at the address and stated that they were with "Morano's" and were there to repair the roof and driveway. While she was distracted by one of the offenders who led her into her basement, the other 2 offenders entered her home and took jewelry valued in excess of $40,000.00. The victim stated that they left in a gray pickup with unknown writing on it in an unknown direction. The victim was unable to get the license plate number of the truck.

The Lake County Sherrif’s Office provides the following Community Alert. Please pass this information onto your neighbors and suggest that if they have not already done so to sign up to the Village's "Connect CTY" alert system through www.Longgrove.net .

Dear Long Grove Resident:

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is warning homeowners of “ruse” burglaries and how to take action to prevent being the victim of these types of crimes. Local municipalities and county sheriff’s offices have received an increase in these types of crimes in the past few months. The burglaries usually occur during the late morning and afternoon hours, prior to 5:00PM.

Victims are targeted because of their advanced age and the probability they are living alone. The offenders usually travel in pairs, with one offender distracting the homeowner while the second offender enters the home to search for and steal cash, jewelry and other items. There are many story lines offenders will use, including:

Inquiries about the homeowner’s water supply or pressure

Informing the homeowner there is an electrical problem

Offers to repair gutters/fences/roofs or tree trimming and landscaping

Blacktop/driveway repair

False statements about problems at the neighbor’s house

Inquiries about homes for sale in the neighborhood

This Community Alert is to serve as a reminder that nobody should be allowed inside your home (do not go outside with the individual) unless they are personally known to you or unless it is a scheduled appointment, if in doubt call 911 . If a solicitor comes to your residence, prior to answering the door, attempt to locate and remember what kind of vehicle they are driving (make, model, color, type). Further, make a mental note of their attire and physical characteristics. If you do choose to speak with a solicitor or utility worker, never leave your front door unlocked or unattended.

This type of “ruse” or distraction burglary is becoming more prevalent. Homeowners must always be wary of offers that sound too good to be true and cautious of strangers who attempt to charm you into buying something.

If you feel you have been the victim of a ruse burglary or if you have seen suspicious vehicles and/or subjects approaching elderly neighbors, please call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 847/549-5200 to report these incidents or 911 if the offense is in progress at the time. Please be ready to provide a vehicle description and a license plate number, if possible.

Deputy Chief George Manis
Criminal Investigations Division

To learn more about the village's Connect CTY notification program and personalize your notification, visit the Village of Long Grove's web site and click the Connect CTY icon. Thank you. From The Village of Long Grove Emergency Management Agency.