Ruse Burglars Fail to Fool Local Homeowners

Police said a pair of likely ruse burglars were surprised last week when they thought they had successfully distracted the only resident who was home, only to find a second one inside.

A couple living in the 7100 block of 177th Place in called police around 1:50 p.m. June 13 just after someone tried to break into their home using a ruse burglary method. The strategy typically includes one burglar distracting a home's resident so an accomplice can enter the home and steal his or her belongings.

Police said a man living at the home answered the door around 1:30 p.m. and was greeted by a middle-aged man who said he recently bought the house down the block.

"(The resident) was not aware of any recent home sales on the block of 177th Place," the report said. "(The man) stated he was replacing a fence and needed to look at something in the back yard. (The resident) escorted the male to the backyard."

At that time, a woman living in the home heard the doorbell ring. She answered the door and found a man, about 25 years of age, who "seemed surprised" that someone was home. He then told her he was looking for his father.

The victims said that when the first man realized there was someone inside the home, they abruptly left.

The two suspects were driving in a gray minivan, possibly a Dodge that was a newer model, the report said. The first was described as Hispanic man, possibly in his 50s, with a stocky build. He stood at about 5 feet 10 inches tall and had black hair, dark skin and a slight accent, the report said.

The second, younger man, may have also been Hispanic, according to the report. Victims pegged him at about 5 feet 6 inches tall. He also had black hair, dark skin and a slight accent.

Anyone with information about this ruse burglary attempt is asked to call Tinley Park Police at 708-444-5300. Police urge residents to get license plate numbers for all vehicles involved in such incidents.

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