Full Notification

The Willowbrook Police Department wants to remind residents to be wary of “ruse burglaries”
The Police Department has received information from surrounding towns that ruse burglaries have been occurring recently. A ruse burglary is a type of burglary that’s committed by offenders generally travelling in pairs, where one offender uses a ‘ruse’ to distract the victim, while the other offender enters the home to search for and steal cash, jewelry and other valuable items. Unfortunately, these offenders frequently target the elderly and occur when victims are physically present at the home.

Recently, some ruse burglars were observed wearing reflective construction type vests in an attempt to legitimize their fraudulent story.   
 
Please note that Willowbrook Village Public Works Department employees will always have Village issued ID and proper apparel.

Offenders use many other story lines, including:

• Inquiring about the homeowner’s water supply or water pressure
• Informing the homeowner there is an electrical problem outside of their home
• Making false claims about problems with the neighbor’s house
• Asking questions about homeowner’s property lines

Safety Tips:

• Do not allow anyone in your home unless you know them personally or it is a scheduled appointment
• If a solicitor comes to your residence, take notice of their vehicle (make, model, color, type) as well as their attire and physical characteristics
• If you choose to speak with a solicitor or utility worker, never leave your front door unlocked or unattended
• Ask to see identification. A legitimate utility or government worker will never object if you ask for ID. You may verify with the utility company to make sure or by calling the Willowbrook Police Department directly at 630-325-2121 if they claim to be with the Village.

Share these tips with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues! If you feel you were a victim of a ruse burglary or if you have seen suspicious vehicles and/or subjects approaching elderly neighbors, please call 9-1-1 immediately to report these incidents and be ready to provide the offender’s vehicle description and physical appearance.