A recent string of burglaries in the greater Chicago area has law enforcement warning local citizens, primarily more vulnerable seniors, of a type of theft known as ‘ruse’ burglary. Officials say they have seen an uptick in ruse burglaries in recent weeks.
Ruse burglaries are nothing new. Clever burglars have been using the ruse tactic for as long as I can remember. But things seem to come in waves in the burglary department. And right now, the ruse burglary is in.
The Definition Is in the Name
If you need a definition of the ruse burglary, just look at the name. Everything you need to know is there. Burglars encountering homeowners can either make an excuse and walk away or try to pull off the job, anyway. Those who choose to stay might create a ruse – which is to say that they create some sort of excuse to lure the homeowner outside.
A common tactic is to claim that they are city workers doing routine inspections. They ask homeowners to come outside and look at something. Another root is the fake car accident. Whatever it takes. As soon as the homeowner steps outside, a partner or partners enter the home and starts looking for valuables.
In order for the ruse burglary to work, burglars need to work in teams. While one person is distracting the homeowner, the other, or others as the case may be, go in and steal. The first burglar’s goal is to keep the homeowner outside for as long as possible.
In and Out Very Quickly
Experienced burglars can get in and out of an unlocked home very quickly. In just a few minutes, a team of two or three burglars could get their hands on a nice selection of valuables and be out the back door. That’s what makes ruse burglaries so effective. If one person can keep the homeowner occupied for just five minutes, the others can take virtually anything they want.
It is also worth noting that ruse burglars tend to target senior citizens. Seniors are easier to distract. They are easier to fool, confuse, and stall. The unfortunate truth is that burglars target the most vulnerable. And seniors are the most vulnerable to ruse burglary.
Keep Windows and Doors Locked
So, what can homeowners do to protect themselves against this sort of burglary? For starters, keeping all windows and doors locked is a good idea. Burglars pulling off a ruse will often enter through a backdoor or window where they can’t be seen by the homeowner. Keeping everything locked up makes that harder.
Homeowners should also be mindful of the following:
- Opening the Door – A homeowner should never open the front door to a stranger. Anyone unknown to the homeowner should have to prove their identity before any interaction takes place.
- Verify IDs – In situations in which homeowners encounter people claiming to be city or utility workers, they should ask to see ID. They should also call in the ID to make sure it is legitimate.
- Called the Police – In cases in which a visitor claims to have had an accident (like hitting the victim’s garage door) it’s better to call the police and wait till they arrive before engaging with the visitor.
- Avoid Leaving the House – If a visitor asks a homeowner to come outside, the homeowner should politely decline. Not leaving the house will quickly reveal if the visitor is pulling a ruse.
Ruse burglaries work best when victims make no attempt to clarify what’s going on. When they simply believe the person standing at their door and accept the invitation to go outside, they open themselves up to burglary. On the other hand, resisting the visitor as much as possible makes pulling off the burglary a lot more difficult.
A Home Security System With Cameras
Homeowners should also consider installing home security systems equipped with video surveillance cameras. Even if a system isn’t armed during the day when the homeowner is at home, video surveillance cameras record everything that’s going on.
Vivint Home Security recommends installing a camera that gives a clear view of the front door. It will record any burglars approaching with the goal to conduct a ruse. Cameras placed strategically inside the home can gather evidence against burglars who make it in doors.
Cameras can be an effective deterrent because they provide evidence authorities can use for both investigation and prosecution. Given the choice between a home with or without cameras, most burglars will choose the latter. It’s just common sense.
Keep Your Valuables Elsewhere
Despite a homeowner’s best efforts to avoid a room, things still happened. So it’s important to think about what happens once a burglar makes it into your home. Most burglars had right for the master bedroom in search of cash, jewelry, and other valuables. They also hit family rooms where they might find valuable electronics.
What can homeowners do? For starters, keeping valuables out of the master bedroom is smart. Another option is to install a wall or floor safe in which valuables can be stored. The goal is to make it as hard as possible for burglars to find what they are after. The more time it takes, the more nervous they get.
If a burglar needs to go in search of a homeowner’s valuables or make an attempt to get into a safe, he’s more likely to give up and leave. The risks are too high.
Pay Attention, Be Suspicious
Protecting yourself against ruse burglary is a matter of paying attention and being suspicious of any visitors you do not know. The more suspicious you are, the more nervous you make burglars. They don’t want to take their chances with a potential victim who might know what they are up to.
Ruse burglaries will continue because that’s the nature of the beast. The question for homeowners is whether they will fight back. Put up enough resistance, and burglars will move on.
