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Read the press release here.

Lincoln Square, Albany Park, Roscoe Village & North Center

Crime & Mayhem

'Despicable' Thieves Target Irving Park Elderly With Construction Ruse

By Patty Wetli | September 2, 2016 9:34am
Cmdr. Voulgaris asked residents to keep an eye on their elderly neighbors, subject to a new scam.
Cmdr. Voulgaris asked residents to keep an eye on their elderly neighbors, subject to a new scam.
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DNAinfo/Michael Shin

IRVING PARK — A team of thieves is entering the homes of elderly residents under the ruse of being construction, utility or city workers, police warn.

The most recent incident took place Wednesday night in the Kilbourn Park neighborhood, according to Cmdr. Elias Voulgaris of the Albany Park (17th) District, who posted details to Facebook.

"They distract the victim under the guise of being a construction worker, home improvement worker, etc., while another subject enters the residence and steals items from the residence," Voulgaris said.

The victim of Wednesday's scam is "very elderly and lives alone," the commander said, adding, "These offenders are despicable."

Voulgaris reminded residents that all legitimate construction and utility workers, police officers and city employees have identification cards.

He urged people to look out for elderly neighbors or to contact police about elderly neighbors on their block and "we will keep watch."

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