Elmhurst Police are investigating an attempted residential burglary – Ruse Style Gypsy Scam that occurred on the 200 block of south Poplar Ave.

At 2:09 p.m. on February 24, 2017, a caretaker at a residence discovered an intruder inside the home. When she shouted at the intruder, he fled from the house on foot to a vehicle.

The suspect was described as: an M/W or M/H in his late 30s, approximately 6’0 tall, 150lbs, short black hair, wearing dark clothing.

It appears that the suspect entered the home while another suspect described as a M/H 5’ 07” weighing approximately 200lbs, wearing gray-colored clothing was outside in the backyard keeping the homeowner busy discussing doing some landscape work while the other entered the home.

Subsequent investigation revealed this was a ruse type “Gypsy Scam” residential burglary where a subject engages the homeowner in a conversation that the homeowner needs home repair work and as the homeowner steps outside with the subject, another enters the residence looking for valuables.

Police remind residents to be extra cautious when approached by individuals requesting to do any type of home repair work or property line/fence inspections. Suspicious activity of this nature should be immediately reported to police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Elmhurst Police Department at 630-530-3050 or policeinfo@elmhurst.org.