City, Police Alert Residents to Scam and Burglary Trend

Criminals posing as solicitors are at it again; the Oak Forest Police Department has received numerous reports of men posing as fence salesmen, new neighbors, and utility workers to burglarize homes.

As part of the scam, one man rings the doorbell and says that he needs the resident to take him into the backyard so he can verify the property line or talk about and/or show the resident what will or needs to be done.

Whatever ruse is used, the resident takes the man in the backyard, while his partner, who is waiting in a vehicle, enters the home and burglarizes it.  The partner then calls the "salesman" on a cell phone to let him know the burglary is complete.  The "salesman" tells the resident that he has to go or has to get something and leaves with his partner. 

This is one of several warnings police have issued regarding similar scams. The first came in December, at the earliest instances of men posing as fence salesmen. Another alert followed in January, with another issued in March.

Be on the look-out for offenders or criminals who might be attempting a similar robbery.

Tips at Protecting your Home:

• Don't let them in. If a suspicious solicitor approaches your home, or rings your doorbell, tell them they are not welcome. Do not follow them outside.
• Call 911. If you can, stall the solicitor and call police immediately. If the person leaves before police arrive, try to write down any characteristics or features that might help police.
• Be a tipster. If you spot a suspicious vehicle in your neighborhood, write down the license plate number and call police.
• Ask for ID. In the City of Oak Forest, all solicitors must register at City Hall to receive an identification badge signed by City Clerk Scott Burkhardt. If someone comes to your door and does not display the city issued badge, call the police.