PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

August 4, 2020

Authority: Chief Michael Ruth

Elmhurst Police Warn of Ruse Burglary Incident

The Elmhurst Police Department is warning residents of a burglary ruse involving a suspect posing as a city employee that occurred on August 3, 2020 in the area of Hillcrest Avenue and Adams Street.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., a resident answered his door and spoke to a man posing as a city water department employee.  The man requested to come inside the home and check the water in the resident’s faucets.  The resident escorted the man throughout several areas of the home.  The resident eventually became suspicious and told the man to leave the home.

The man was observed leaving the neighborhood in a tan colored Chevrolet Cavalier sedan. The resident contacted the City of Elmhurst and it was determined the man was not a water department employee.  The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, short in stature, with a heavy-set build wearing a basic yellow traffic safety vest.  A Hispanic female was observed in the passenger seat of the sedan.  Ruse burglars will often distract and engage homeowners in conversation while a second burglar enters the home and removes valuables. 

Residents are reminded that Elmhurst employees will wear Elmhurst uniforms, have identification cards and drive fully marked City of Elmhurst vehicles. The city will call ahead to make an appointment should employees require access to residential water services inside of a home.

Residents are asked to call 911 to have police respond if they are approached by a person claiming to be a city employee or utility worker and ask for access to their home.

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