Several recent burglaries have one thing in common; the houses were being fumigated at the time they were burglarized. A home on the 200 block of west 127th Street was recently burglarized while the home was tented and being fumigated.
Deputies were called to the scene after a neighbor observed an individual cut open the tent and go inside. A perimeter was established around the home and announcements were made for anyone inside the residence to come out. Subsequently, members from the Department’s Special Enforcement Bureau responded to the location where they donned protective equipment and entered the residence to search for anyone inside. No suspects were located.
Suspects in these types of burglaries will generally pay close attention to when a home is being fumigated and enter the home near the end of the fumigation process, when they believe most of the concentrated poisonous gas has dissipated. The effects of fumigant on people vary widely depending on such factors as type of fumigant and length of exposure. Symptoms of exposure to fumigants can be either acute or chronic, and include respiratory tract irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, slurred speech, burning skin, rashes, diarrhea, kidney and liver failure, and potentially cancer.
The public is reminded not to enter any structure while it is being fumigated and to be mindful of the security of your home while it is being fumigated. Residents may contact their local police department and request extra patrols while their home is being fumigated.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Century Sheriff’s Station at 323-568-4800.
