Crime & Safety

Hinsdale Police Warn Residents of Ruse-Entry Burglaries

Department says there have been two in Hinsdale this year; suspects pose as repair men or utility workers to gain entry into homes.

A burglary Thursday afternoon at the home of an elderly Hinsdale resident inspired a wide warning from the Hinsdale Police Department

According to a department press release, officers responded Thursday afternoon to a “ruse-entry residential burglary” at the home of an 83-year-old woman in the 700 block of Mills Street. The release says four white males approached the house, posing as home-repair men.

When the victim became suspicious and called 911, the men fled in a black minivan with green and white plates, possibly from Colorado, according to police.

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“The victim was unharmed and her vigilance in recognizing the potential scam prevented her from the loss of valuables within her home,” the release read.

Deputy Chief Mark Wodka said in an email that Thursday's attempted ruse-entry burglary was the second this year in Hinsdale. The previous one came on Jan. 4 in the 400 block of Minneola Street, Wodka said.

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"Last year we had none in Hinsdale," Wodka wrote, "but surrounding communities (Western Springs) had several." 

The police department is asking for resident cooperation to help stop similar “gypsy scams.”  

“As the investigation in this burglary continues, the police department is requesting the assistance of the community to continue being vigilant in the awareness of these types of incidents and to report suspicious circumstances,” the release read. “In particular, residents are reminded to be aware of any person(s) that may appear at their doorstep (or their neighbor’s) wishing to provide a service that had not been requested, asking for someone that does not live there, or is acting like they must be at the wrong address.”

According to police, suspects in other ruse-entry burglaries have posed as utilities workers who attempt to occupy a victim’s attention while a partner enters the home.

Police encourage citizens to report any suspicious behavior to the department and take note of suspects’ clothing, height, gender and race as well as details about their vehicle.

Contact the Investigation Division at (630) 789-7070 if you have any information that could help the department. 


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