LOS ANGELES, CA – Residents of a condominium complex in Playa del Rey are reeling after burglars broke into their building and ransacked dozens of units while it was tented for fumigation. The break-ins occurred at the Del Rey Plaza on Tuscany Avenue between December 11 and 13, during a mandatory evacuation for termite treatment, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The 39-unit building had been emptied of its residents for the fumigation process, with assurances from the homeowners association (HOA) that 24-hour security patrols would safeguard the property. Despite these measures, burglars managed to smash their way into 23 of the units, stealing valuables such as cash, jewelry, and firearms, and leaving behind a trail of vandalism and trashed belongings.
Among the victims was Carol Fontaine, president of the HOA, who returned to her unit Friday to find her front door broken in and her bedroom and closets completely upended.
“It’s quite devastating for a lot of us,” Fontaine said. “A 24-7 security was ordered and patrolling outside, and then I got a call from the termite company saying we’ve had break-ins. All floors were hit.”
Fontaine reported the thieves took a variety of valuables from her unit, including jewelry and ammunition.
Security footage captured at least one of the intruders entering the building wearing a gas mask and systematically searching through units for valuables.
Other residents expressed outrage and disbelief at how the burglars were able to bypass the promised security measures.
Loren Brown, another resident of Del Rey Plaza, said there were early warning signs that something was wrong.
“During the [fumigation] process, we had several people report seeing lights on inside the building, even though we were all told to turn off our lights before leaving,” Brown said. “That was the first clue. But we figured we had 24-hour security guards, things were being watched, and it’s all okay.”
Brown described the break-ins as systematic and professional, noting that the perpetrators appeared well-prepared to work within the hazardous conditions created by the fumigation.
“We have 23 doors that have been smashed. We’ve got places that have been looted like you have no idea,” Brown said. “Cash is gone, guns are gone. The people who were in here knew what they were doing. They were wearing respirators. This does not feel like it’s an organic thing. This is somehow, to me, an inside job.”
Law enforcement officials are working with the victimized residents as they investigate the break-ins. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering evidence to identify and apprehend the burglars.
Residents have expressed frustration with the lack of accountability, questioning how the intruders managed to carry out the burglaries despite the presence of a hired security team.
The residents of Del Rey Plaza have issued a warning to others who may be planning fumigation or similar procedures that require vacating their homes.
“We strongly suggest taking all valuables either with you or housing them in a safe location away from the property,” Fontaine advised.
Anyone with information about the burglaries is encouraged to contact the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.
As residents begin the process of rebuilding and assessing their losses, the incident underscores the vulnerabilities homeowners face during extended absences and the importance of effective security measures during such times.
