Orland Park police are holding five people suspected of committing a rash of ruse burglaries in the village in recent weeks.
“We are asking people to come forward if they’ve been approached by people posing as utility workers or home contractors,” said Sgt. Scott Malmborg.
“We recovered one piece of jewelry, a $6,000 ring, and are asking the owner to contact us,” Malmborg said explaining a village-wide automated call from police that went out Thursday evening.
“The trouble is, the victim may not even know the ring is missing,” he said.
Ruse burglars work in groups of two or more. They approach a homeowner with a variety of tactics including offers of work around a home or questions about a property issue. While one of the burglars distracts the homeowner, one or more ransack the house looking for valuables.
“Don’t be embarrassed if it happens to you,” Malmborg said. “This is what they do for a living and they are very good at their job.”
The best way to avoid falling victim to a ruse burglary is to not let strangers into your home and call the police if you suspect someone is trying to get you to let them into your home.
If anyone believes they have been victimized by ruse burglars or discovers a valuable ring missing, they are asked to contact the Orland Park police Investigations Division by calling 708-349-4111.
Gold trim truck- something is off here. I go to get the lic. Plate number- red flag- No front plate. Is he from out of state? What is he doing in Orland park? I go to look at the rear plate- this truck is so new I'm expecting lic. Applied for cards. His back door to the pick up is down. He's on the roof watching me- guess he didnt know Anybody else lived here. I fake like I'm checking for mail on the street box, he's parked in our driveway. When he turns away- I crawl under the truck RED FLAG!!!! There's a rag covering the license plate. I pull it out. Mississippi plates expired sticker. What the hell is this truck doing in Orland park? Why did he ring our door bell? When all was said and done. The truck was legit said the OP police. I think he was either gifted with it for services performed or He's probably been doing this for years or in a scam ring. He took pictures of our chimney, the house, My mother, the house number. He mentioned to my mom "hey your windows are painted shut-I can fix that.." I told him they were nailed shut against thieves. ***in pieces under voklst over 1500***
Them but we dont know. After my mom thought about it she saw that truck cuz she remembered the gold trim.....before. It had been parked across the street in the last two weeks. Casing our house and other houses on the street. Bingo my house has the elderly person Who lived alone-or so he thought. We are on alert, the door does not get opened unless we are expecting someone. Or we invite work people over. He would be disappointed, no electronics in our house, old tvs, no jewelry, nothing. But lots of furniture. Maybe that would have angered a professional like this guy or his cronies? I believe he's the preliminary guy who does the footwork. Then sends pics and address to more professional follow-up team. Probably how he got his truck or part of the ruse. Scarry! They do this as living.
The next Comcast rep that rings my bell is going to see my 45 caliber in my hand. We'll see if they come back next time.
Note: You would have to verify with the police, but religious groups may be exempt.
Wake up PEOPLE! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>