Sheriff Warns of Fumigation Burglaries

Los Angeles County Sheriff's officials are warning the public to be vigilant after they noticed an uptick in burglaries at homes being fumigated.

Deputies in Carson made an arrest in an incident in the city of Carson on Thursday, after witnessing two males jump the fence at a tented home. As deputies and a Sheriff's helicopter surrounded the home, the two suspects fled, but were captured.

After arresting the two suspects, deputies checked the home and found that part of the tent had been partially removed, allowing access to an open window.

Anyone entering a home being fumigated is risking serious injury, or even death, according to the California Department of Consumer Affairs Structural Pest Control Board. According to the board's website, no one is allowed back into a fumigated home until deemed safe by the fumigator.

Fumigators are also required to put secondary locks on all doors that only the company providing the service can open. A home fumigation can take anywhere from six hours to one week, depending on the severity of the insect infestation.

Sheriff's officials recommend that anyone having their home fumigated tell their neighbors in advance, and ask that they keep an eye on the home. As well, officials say residents can request extra patrols--or vacation checks--from the local sheriff's station.