Police: Snow shoveler returned steal
SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE February 28, 2013 3:24PM
Sean Mayer / Photo from Round Lake Park police
ROUND LAKE PARK — Police say a far north suburban man offered to shovel a driveway to learn when the home would be empty, then returned to break into the home and take cash, jewelry and other items.
The burglary in 500 block of Forest Glen Drive in Round Lake Park was reported to police Monday.
Round Lake Park Police Chief George Filenko said detectives learned from the homeowner that Sean Mayer, of the 500 block of Arbor Drive, had been to the home during last week’s snowstorm to offer to shovel the driveway.
During a conversation with the homeowner, Mayer determined what times the victim was at work and when the home would be empty, Filenko said.
The burglar forced entry into the home through a basement window, taking cash, jewelry, a laptop computer, an Xbox system and other items worth about $3,000, Filenko said. All the items, with the exception of $30 cash, were recovered at Mayer’s home, he said.
Mayer was arrested by Round Lake Park detectives Tuesday night and charged with residential burglary.
“It’s unfortunate that a friendly conversation with someone in your own neighborhood could have ulterior motives,” Filenko said.
Mayer was being held at the Lake County Jail.
