Crime & Safety

Northbrook Police Issue Ruse Burglary Warning

In light of recent burglaries, the police department has issued advice on avoiding ruse burglaries.

Last week, a Northbrook resident reported their house was burglarized while they were distracted by someone posing as a phone company employee. 

Since then, the Northbrook Police Department issued a warning to residents about ruse burglaries and how to avoid them

What is a Ruse Burglary? 

Find out what's happening in Northbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A Ruse Burglary is where a person will make contact with a homeowner and explain that they are with a utility company, the Village water department, a contractor working in the area or something similar and will ask the homeowner to accompany them to the basement or backyard to check on a safety related matter (gas leak, water pressure problem, etc).

Once the homeowner accompanies the “worker” to the backyard or other area of the residence, a second person gains access to the home and steals jewelry, money or other valuables. The person with the homeowner may get a “phone call” and leave abruptly or perhaps indicates that everything is fine after all. The homeowner may not discover the theft until much later. 

Find out what's happening in Northbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Be Vigilant

Residents are urged to be vigilant and call police immediately (911) should someone come to your door unexpectedly indicating they need to come in and check on a problem. If possible write down the description of the person and his or her vehicle description and license plate number — should they leave before police arrive.

Also, Call the Police at 911 immediately with details, descriptions and plate numbers if you: 

  • See any suspicious vehicles driving slowly or repetitively through your neighborhood. 
  • Observe someone at a neighbor’s front door, then see them walking to the side or rear of the house. 

Any questions can be directed to Michael Shep, Supervisor of Community Relations at (847) 664-4425 .

Northbrook remains a safe community, and we all must work together to keep it safe. A few extra moments of precaution can save you from becoming a victim.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.