Alderman Pat O’Connor relayed a message from the 20th District Police Department in an email yesterday for area residents to be on the alert for thieves posing as City of Chicago workers.

An incident, which occurred in Edgewater at an unspecified address, ended up with an area elderly woman being robbed of money from her home. A man wearing an orange vest who stated he worked for the City of Chicago coaxed the woman out of her residence under the pretense that work was being done near the alley. The imposter engaged in a lengthy conversation with the woman while someone else entered the home to burglarize it. The email did not share the specific time or date of the crime.

In the email, the Alderman stated, “If anyone comes to your residence, always ask for proper identification. If there is any question about their identity, call 911. It is also a good idea to call the company the person claims they work for to verify that work is scheduled in your area. 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.”

If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the alderman’s office at 773-769-1140. There will also be an upcoming local beat 2012 meeting on Wednesday, October 12, in the St. Gregory gymnasium, 1609 W. Gregory, at 7 p.m.

Alderman O’Connor reiterated that his office is in regular communication with the police department and will share any new developments. He said, “Residents are always the best eyes and ears of their neighborhood. If you see something suspicious, call 911 right away.”