Downers Grove Police Department Reports More Ruse Entry Crimes

The Downers Grove Police Department issued an alert Tuesday warning residents of a scam being used to gain home entry and commit theft.

In two recent incidents that occurred in Downers Grove, residents reported that unknown individuals gained entry to their homes under false pretenses, police said. 

In the first incident, which occurred Sept. 4, a man was met at his front door by a woman who was crying hysterically that she had lost her cat. She requested his assistance and he accompanied her to the backyard to search for the cat.

After about 15 minutes, they ended the search and the woman left the home. The resident later discovered that numerous pieces of jewelry totaling nearly $71,000 had been taken, police said.

The female suspect is described as being in her 40s, 5-foot-6, with brown hair and a dark complexion, police said.

READ: $71K in Jewelry Stolen During Downers Grove Home Burglary

In the second incident, a man unknown to the resident came to the home and lured the homeowner to the backyard under the guise of wanting to show her something. The woman became suspicious and requested that the man come back at a later time and speak to her son, police said.  

The man left in a white van without incident, police said.

The Downers Grove Police Department also issued a ruse entry alert on Aug. 29 after two incidents were reported in a neighboring community. In both reports, residents said a man or men came to their home claiming to be installing underground pipes in the area, police said.

READ: Downers Grove Police Warn Residents of Ruse Entry Crimes

In the first incident, the homeowner was lured in her kitchen by an offender while another man entered home. After the two had left, the homeowner realized that prescription medications and other valuables were missing, police said.

In the second incident, two men approached a home in the same manner, claiming to be underground pipe installers. When the resident unlocked the screen door, the offenders pushed their way into the home, but left when they saw the family's dog. No items were taken.

The offenders are described as male, between the ages of 30 and 40, clean shaved, stocky build and approximately 5-foot-10 in height. They were wearing construction clothing and left the scene in a dark-colored sedan, police said.

Downers Grove police urge residents to be cautious when allowing strangers to enter their home. If someone suspicious is at the door, residents should immediately call 911.