CHICAGO — Cops issued an alert about con men who authorities say assumed false identities in order to "ransack" the Southwest Side homes of senior citizens in January.
In two incidents, one suspected thief arrived at the house of a senior citizen with a "ficitions gas or electric work order" and was let into the home, according to the alert.
In the other two cases, police said two swindlers posed as construction workers to gain entry into a senior citizen's home. The suspects distracted the victims while they ransacked the homes, taking jewelry and cash, police said.
Police said the incidents occurred at the following locations and times:
•In the 6400 Block of South Kostner Avenue in West Lawn on Jan. 14. about 9:50 a.m.
•In the 5700 block of South Keeler Avenue in West Elsdon on Jan. 18 about 1:15 p.m.
•In the 5300 block of South Sacramento Avenue in Gage Park on Jan. 25 about 11:15 a.m.
•In the 8200 block of South Kildare Avenue in Scottsdale on Jan. 21 about 3 p.m.
Police said descriptions of the men vary, but suspects are described as usually one or two male whites or Hispanics, between the ages of 35 to 50, 5-foot-3 to 6 feet tall and weighing 160 to 200 pounds.
In one case, a red pickup truck was used, while in another case, a GMC SUV was used, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8382.
