Crime & Safety
Home Burglars Pose as Lemont Public Works Employees
Several items were taken Wednesday from a home in the 12000 block Derby Road near Ruffled Feathers, police said.
UPDATED: Friday, Dec. 2
A home in unincorporated Cook County was burglarized Wednesday after men posed as Lemont Public Works employees, according to police.
Cook County police and Lemont Public Works were notified Wednesday of a residential burglary in the 12000 Derby Road across the street from Ruffled Feathers, Lemont Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy said.
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At approximately noon, a heavy-set, white male — who police believe is 30-40 years old — approached the home in a white cargo van. The man went to the front door of the home and identified himself as a Lemont Public Works employee, then entered the resident's basement, according to Lemont police.
The victim believes a second male was inside the van, police said.
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In a press release issued Friday morning, Lemont police stated that cash, checks and the victim's social security card were taken.
Because the incident took place in unincorporated Lemont, the Cook County Sheriff's Department responded to the call, Shaughnessy said.
A spokesperson with the Cook County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident Thursday afternoon, and said multiple items were reported stolen. The case is currently under investigation, he said.
Shaughnessy said a similar incident was reported recently in nearby Homer Glen.
On Nov. 25, in the 14000 block of South Kickapoo Trail, a Hispanic male wearing an electrician's uniform and white hard hat went to an elderly person's home, and stated he was there to do an inspection due to electrical problems in the area, police said.
The victim's son drove up and saw three Hispanic males exit the residence and drive away in a silver SUV, taking an undetermined amount of the victim's jewelry, police said.
Lemont Public Works Director Ralph Pukula said residents should be aware that Lemont Public Works employees carry identification, wear orange T-shirts with the village logo and travel in marked trucks.
Typically, public works employees do not ask to enter a home unless an appointment has been made by the resident, he said.
In January, the offered the following tips for residents faced with unknown solicitors:
- Call to verify the identity and business of the individual using a number you obtain yourself. You may call 911 to have an officer assist you in checking.
- If the person tries to leave when you ask questions, make note of the license plate number, vehicle description and direction of travel, and call 911 immediately.
- Do not store large amounts of cash or valuables in your home. Instead, use a safety deposit box at a local bank.
- If you need someone in your home to do work, arrange for a friend or family member to be present while the work is being done.
- Be sure you are able to see anyone doing work inside your home at all times.
- Do not keep any financial paperwork or identification in plain sight, as this creates a serious risk of identity theft.
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