Burr Ridge Burglary Came With Late-Night Visitor

BURR RIDGE, IL – A Burr Ridge resident got a knock at the door late Monday night, with the visitor telling him the neighbor's house was on fire, police said.

About 10:45 p.m., the suspect showed up at the door of a house near 83rd Street and County Line Road, according to a police statement.

He was reported to be wearing a gray sweatshirt, jeans, and a camouflage mask or bandana covering his mouth.

While the suspect distracted the resident, strangers entered the house, police said. There was no fire. The resident called 911.

The main suspect and others then fled in a dark SUV, police said.

Police called the incident a ruse burglary.

In such a burglary, suspects use different "excuses" to distract a victim and gain compliance, police said. They often pose as utility workers, tree trimmers and handymen, supposedly working at a neighbor's house.

Anyone with information or camera footage related to the latest incident is urged to call the police department.

Police ask that residents lock their doors, even when they're working in their yard. And if they have a house alarm, they should set it, even if they're only leaving for a short time.