April 24, 2024
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Marshall County Sheriff’s Office seeks info after reported ruse burglary

Police say 3 men entered a Varna residence, stole a safe

By Jayce Eustice
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The Aurora Police Department continues to investigate an apparent murder-suicide on the city’s west side.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office issued a release Wednesday detailing a suspected ruse residential burglary that occurred Monday.

A ruse burglary utilizes distraction or diversion where a burglary is committed. According to authorities, this crime is often directed toward the elderly. A perpetrator will elicit the homeowner out of the house or distract them inside while accomplices enter the home and take valuables.

At about 6:30 p.m Tuesday, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen in rural Varna, reporting a safe was stolen during the suspected ruse burglary.

Investigators discovered at 4 p.m. Monday three unidentified men approached the residence wearing neon reflective vests and surgical masks.

The men alleged to be with a power company and said they were in the area to work on power lines.

One man reportedly told the homeowner they needed to install a generator at the residence to complete their work, police said.

Shortly after, the other men came inside and asked the homeowner if they could secure a device in his safe to ensure his house would not explode during their work, police said.

The homeowner agreed and showed them to his safe, which he was unable to open at the time.

The first man then escorted the homeowner outside to locate a suitable location to place the generator while the other two removed the large safe from the inside of the residence and loaded it into their vehicles, police said. All three men departed shortly after.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office said the incident is under investigation. The organization also encourages citizens to be vigilant in granting people access into their homes and to contact the department with questions regarding a service provider’s credibility.

Police also ask the public to speak with elderly relatives and neighbors regarding this type of crime.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at 309-246-2115.