The Northbrook Police have received reports of ruse entry burglaries, a crime where the perpetrator seeks to distract or draw a resident out of their home. These criminals specifically target the elderly and may impersonate workers from gas, cable, electric, or tree companies; they are also posing as Village of Northbrook employees with the intent to gain access and burglarize a home. While the resident of the home is occupied, an accomplice enters the home to steal valuables. 

Please do not hesitate to call the Northbrook Police to verify the identity of someone at your door. The police are here to help and encourage you to contact them if you are suspicious. 

Prevention Tips:

• If you don't know who is at the door and aren't expecting anyone, don't open it. Look through your window or peep hole before opening the door. 
• Ask for identification. Check the identity of the visitor by calling the company they are purporting to be from. Use the telephone number listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider (check their website or a previous bill/mailing). Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the visitor as they may be part of the scam. 
• Do not agree to go to your backyard, side of the house, or basement with this person. If they are unexpected and you have not verified their identity, call 911.
• Do not open or unlock the door while attempting to verify the identity of the visitor.
• Keep doors and windows secure at all times.
• Safeguard your valuables and documents with your personal information.

If someone at your door claims to be from the Village's Water Department, Public Works Department, or an Inspector from the Department of Development and Planning Services, please take note of the following:

1.  Public Works employees and Building Inspectors will arrive in a marked vehicle with a number and the Village seal. If you’re unsure, secure your front door and call the Village or the Police non-emergency line at 847-564-2060 (24/7) to verify the person’s identity.

2. Public Works employees do not need to enter homes unless they are called out by the property owner for a specific issue (leaking meter, frozen meter, pressure issues, scheduled water meter replacement, sewer back-up, flooding issue). Building Inspectors do not need to enter a home unless there is building permit associated with the home and there has been a scheduled appointment.

3. Public Works employees may come to the door to notify residents of something, such as water being shut off for a water main break repair or construction work that will impact their access to their driveway. Employees may also have to conduct an inspection for a tree removal permit and take pictures, however they will notify the resident before entering a backyard if needed. These instances do not require employees to come into the home.

4. There are times when a Public Works employee has to go into a resident’s home. However, it is usually not without an appointment or responding to a resident call/request for service (e.g. a leaking water meter, sewer back-up, or flooding issue). Non-emergency requests are typically scheduled with the residents; again, you can verify the employee by calling the Village or the Police Department.

5. If you are suspicious and have not verified the worker, do not agree to go to your basement, backyard, or side of your house. Call 911 to get ahold of the Northbrook Police Department. 

When to Call the Police:

• If you are suspicious - Please do not hesitate calling the Northbrook Police to request an officer to your residence. The officer can help verify the person’s identity and job affiliation.
• If someone forces entry into your home or enters without permission
• If you notice valuables missing shortly after someone visits your home

For emergencies, call 911. To reach the Police Department's non-emergency line, call 847-564-2060 and press 0.