Thieves posing as utility workers have burglarized seven Elgin homes and tried to burglarize two more since the beginning of the year, Elgin police said.
A community alert was issued following the most recent incident Sept. 21.
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The suspects, typically two to four people, don vests and hardhats to appear like utility crews and tell the person who answers the door that they need access to their house, a police department Facebook post said.
All of the incidents have occurred between 2:30 and 6 p.m. and seven of the nine burglaries/attempted burglaries were on the city’s east side, officials said. It appears the suspects are targeting seniors.
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Police did not respond to a request for more information so no other details are available on what victims were told in order to be allowed into houses, what was stolen or how items were removed.
Residents should be on the lookout for suspicious people or activities in their neighborhoods, police said. If approached by someone claiming to be a utility worker needing to enter the house, residents should contact the utility, city or police.
If there is any doubt or if the person is persistent about entering the home, residents are advised to close and lock the door and call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information on the incidents or suspects is asked to call Elgin police at 847-289-2600 or to text a tip to 847411, including “ELGINPD” at the start of the message.
