LOCAL NEWS | Cleaning Lady Stealing in DuPage County: Woman Accused of Jewelry Theft
- Glancer Magazine
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Cleaning Lady Accused of Stealing in DuPage County - What You Need to Know
DIPAGE COUNTY–A cleaning woman from Hanover Park is facing serious accusations of stealing more than $20,000 worth of jewelry from three separate residences in the west suburban area. Sandy Hernandez, 38, has been charged with three counts of Residential Burglary, a Class 1 Felony, following an investigation by the Glen Ellyn Police Department and the DuPage County State’s Attorney.
The Alleged Scheme
The thefts reportedly occurred between November 2024 and January 2025 in Glen Ellyn homes where Hernandez had been hired to clean. Victims reported the disappearance of high-value jewelry, including pieces like a Cartier yellow gold ring, a Tanzanite Marquee ring, and several gold wedding bands. Each of the homeowners contacted local authorities after noticing their valuables were missing. The investigation identified Hernandez as the primary suspect based on her access to the homes during the cleaning appointments.
Hernandez was taken into custody without incident and appeared before the court, where she received strict release conditions. She is prohibited from entering any private residence for employment purposes and from contacting the victims. Her next court date is scheduled for May 5, 2025.
Authorities Speak Out
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin emphasized the importance of vigilance when hiring individuals for private, unsupervised work within the home. “It is alleged that Ms. Hernandez used her role as a cleaning woman to gain access to her victims’ homes, stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry,” Berlin stated. He urged homeowners to take precautions when hiring cleaning services, such as verifying work experience, checking for insurance coverage, and requesting references.
Glen Ellyn Police Chief Philip Norton echoed the sentiment, appreciating the joint efforts of law enforcement in bringing the suspect into custody. He reiterated the importance of community safety and emphasized that criminal behavior will not be tolerated.
Safety Tips for Homeowners
While it’s natural to rely on cleaning services to save time and effort, homeowners must prioritize safety and security when allowing individuals into their private spaces. Here are some practical tips to protect your home and belongings:
Thoroughly Vet Cleaning Services
When possible, hire professionals through reputable cleaning companies. These businesses often perform background checks and provide insured staff.
Request References and Reviews
Always ask for references from previous clients or look up reviews online before hiring a cleaning professional.
Store Valuables Securely
Keep jewelry, cash, and other high-value items in a secure, locked location that is inaccessible during routine cleaning.
Supervise Initial Visits
If possible, be present during the first few cleaning sessions to establish trust and monitor the work.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off about a cleaning professional or service, don’t hesitate to discontinue the arrangement.
Community Reminder
This incident serves as a reminder that while cleaning services can be incredibly helpful, homeowners should exercise caution when hiring individuals to access their living spaces. By taking professional precautions and implementing safety measures, you can safeguard your home and valuables from potential theft.
For residents in DuPage County, remember to report suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency.
Source: DuPage County State's Attorney
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
