10 25 2011 Noon to 10 27 2011 10AM Residential Burglary 24200 Block Falena Avenue
Suspect(s) entered residence tented for fumigation by cutting tent. Resident ransacked and
property taken/unknown loss at time of report.
10 29 2011 9-10AM Auto Burglary 2000 Block 231st St (Cabrillo)
Suspect smashed vehicle window and took property/purse.
Fumingation Burglary Bulletin, Torrance PD, September, 2011
DETAILS: Jurisdictions just north of Torrance are reporting large numbers of residential burglaries since July 01, 2011 wherein suspects are targeting single family residences and apartment buildings tented for fumigation; Gardena has had at least nine while Inglewood has had at least 12. Torrance has had four in that time and six in all of 2011 (mapped at right – note all are in the northern half of the city); by comparison, in Torrance between 2007 and 2010, the average was two per year. Historically in Torrance, the top months for these have been September and November. To date, no suspect or suspect vehicle description
So many fumigation companies have been used by the victims it doesn’t seem likely they are involved in the burglaries. The point of compromise could potentially be the gas co (electricity remains on during fumigation) or according to Terminix employees contacted in February, there are burglars who follow around the fumigation trucks to locate potential targets and are wise to the fact that once the fans are placed in the homes to force out air (federal law) not only are the homes accessible due to open doors and windows, but it is safe to make entry due to the chemicals being removed.
Suspect(s) entered residence tented for fumigation by cutting tent. Resident ransacked and
property taken/unknown loss at time of report.
10 29 2011 9-10AM Auto Burglary 2000 Block 231st St (Cabrillo)
Suspect smashed vehicle window and took property/purse.
Fumingation Burglary Bulletin, Torrance PD, September, 2011
DETAILS: Jurisdictions just north of Torrance are reporting large numbers of residential burglaries since July 01, 2011 wherein suspects are targeting single family residences and apartment buildings tented for fumigation; Gardena has had at least nine while Inglewood has had at least 12. Torrance has had four in that time and six in all of 2011 (mapped at right – note all are in the northern half of the city); by comparison, in Torrance between 2007 and 2010, the average was two per year. Historically in Torrance, the top months for these have been September and November. To date, no suspect or suspect vehicle description
So many fumigation companies have been used by the victims it doesn’t seem likely they are involved in the burglaries. The point of compromise could potentially be the gas co (electricity remains on during fumigation) or according to Terminix employees contacted in February, there are burglars who follow around the fumigation trucks to locate potential targets and are wise to the fact that once the fans are placed in the homes to force out air (federal law) not only are the homes accessible due to open doors and windows, but it is safe to make entry due to the chemicals being removed.
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