Residents outraged after burglars ransack Playa del Rey condo building during fumigation

Residents of a Playa del Rey condominium complex are outraged after burglars ransacked their building while it was being fumigated for termites.

The break-ins occurred at the Del Rey Plaza on Tuscany Avenue from Dec. 11-13 during the decontamination period, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

All residents were evacuated and the property was tented for the fumigation process. 

The homeowners association promised to provide 24-hour security to patrol the grounds while they were away, yet somehow, burglars were able to ransack 23 units out of a total of 39 in the building, escaping with cash, jewelry and other valuables while leaving the units trashed and vandalized.

Many victims, including Carol Fontaine, the building’s HOA president, were targeted by the professional criminals. 

Security cameras captured one of the break-ins as an intruder wearing a gas mask opened the front door and began casually searching for valuables.

Fontaine returned to her unit on Friday and found her front door smashed in while her bedroom and closets were completely trashed with all her belongings thrown onto the floor.

“It’s quite devastating for a lot of us,” Fontaine told KTLA’s Chris Wolfe. “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 said thieves escaped with many of her valuables including jewelry and ammunition.

“During the [fumigation] process, we had several people that reported lights on inside the building even though we had been told to turn all of our lights off,” said Loren Brown, a resident. “That was the first clue. But we figured we had 24-hour security guards, things were being watched and it’s all okay.”

Many residents are questioning how the burglars could gain access to the building if security was reportedly patrolling.

“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.”

Victimized residents are working closely with law enforcement as investigators gather evidence and leads on the suspects.

For those who may be fumigating their home, the victims said they strongly suggest taking all valuables either with them or housing them in a safe location away from the vacant home. 

Anyone with information on the break-ins is asked to call the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.