police said the resident reported that sometime between March 27

 

BATAVIA, IL — Batavia police were called Tuesday morning to a house in the 300 block of Blair Street for a report of missing jewelry when they determined the resident was likely the victim of a ruse buglarly the previous week.

In an update Thursday, police said the resident reported that sometime between March 27 and March 30, he was approached at his house by someone who identified themself as an employee of the City of Batavia's Electrical Department. The person advised the resident there was an issue and brought him into the backyard.

A short while later, according to police, the resident received a phone call from the person saying they would be back soon but never returned.

Officers confirmed there were no Electrical Department employees at the person's home during those days.

Police said it's possible that while one person distracted the resident, another entered the house undetected to steal property. Oftentimes, the criminals in ruse burglaries target the community's older population, officials said.

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Detective Gary La Barbara told Patch the department has no specific information on suspects as the investigation remains ongoing.

"Residents are reminded that all City of Batavia employees and employees of any public utility will have their official identification with them," police said in a news release. "If an individual represents themselves as working for the City of Batavia or any public utility entity, and the situation is in doubt, citizens should call the appropriate department or the Batavia Police Department to confirm the circumstances are legitimate."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department's Investigations Division at 630-454-2500.