There has been an increase in ruse type burglaries around our area. Residents can safeguard themselves from this dangerous crime by remaining vigilant and educating themselves on what to look for when approached at their place of residence. A ruse burglary is committed when two or more individuals work as a team to distract a homeowner (often posing as a utility worker or solicitor) while the other(s) enter the home and steal items of value.
Residents can protect themselves and loved ones by keeping the following in mind:
- Any Village of Bensenville employee will have official Village credentials, drive an officially marked vehicle or wear a Village-issued uniform identified by the Village logo.
- Utility companies such as ComEd, Nicor, Comcast and AT&T also have identification cards. Utility workers will also have utility service vehicles, so be wary of "workers" without an official vehicle. Utility workers from those companies which provide services to your home will generally only be coming to your home at your request, so if someone shows up at your door, verify who they are.
- Never allow any subjects in your house you did not expect or with whom you did not schedule an appointment. Offenders of ruse burglaries target residents, specifically seniors, who are home alone and attempt to gain access into your house. Ruse burglaries are crimes in which the offender uses a "ruse" to distract their victim to gain access to the home and commit a burglary.
- Call 911 or 630-350-3455 if you did not schedule any appointment or were notified of a visit from Village of Bensenville employees.
Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors.
