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Read the press release here.

Robbers Ransack Home After Pretending To Pave Alley

By Patty Wetli | September 21, 2016 7:54am
 A Bowmanville home was ransacked after the owner was lured outside by thieves pretending to pave alley.
A Bowmanville home was ransacked after the owner was lured outside by thieves pretending to pave alley.
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DNAinfo/Michael Shin

BOWMANVILLE — A Bowmanville home was ransacked after the owner was lured outside by men pretending to pave the alley, Ald. Pat O'Connor (40th) warned constituents.

The alderman sent an email alert to residents on Tuesday, informing them of the ruse.

On Monday afternoon, a woman who lives on the 1900 block of West Farragut Avenue was lured outside by a man who claimed he'd been sent to speak with neighbors about repaving the alley. While the homeowner was distracted, an accomplice entered the house and attempted to break open a safe with a hammer.

When the woman became suspicious, she reentered her home and discovered it had been ransacked, though nothing appears to have been stolen.

"My office is in contact daily with the police department and will pass along any pertinent information as it becomes available," O'Connor said.

The incident is similar to a pair of August burglaries in which thieves claimed they were building speed bumps in the alley.

O'Connor urged residents to ask for identification from any utility, construction or city worker and to call the relevant company or city department to verify work is scheduled.

"If there is any question about their identity, call 911," the alderman said. "If they claim to be a city worker, residents can also call my office and we will be glad to call the proper department for verification."

The 40th Ward office can be reached at 773-769-1140.

The next CAPS meeting for the area is scheduled for 7 p.m., Oct. 12, St. Gregory gym, 1609 W. Gregory St.

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