A Santee homeowner is devastated after discovering his home was burglarized as it was being fumigated for termites.
"It's so violating. First, you're shocked, and then you're angry," said Floyd Belleville.
Last Wednesday morning, Belleville walked up to his home on Woodpark Drive and found the termite tent slashed.
"It was slashed from head to toe. The front door was open," said Belleville.
Inside the home was a mess, and a gaming console and coin collection were gone. Additionally, three guns and more than 1,000 rounds ammunition were stolen.
His roommate, Laurie Bortfeld, discovered more than 100 pieces of her jewelry missing.
"Dozens belonged to my mother, who has passed away. They really can't be replaced," said Bortfeld.
In the garage, Belleville, a heavy equipment mechanic, found drawers of high-quality tools empty. He said $20,000 in tools were gone.
But Belleville's heart didn't truly sink until he couldn't find the 1981 Chevy Camaro he's had since he was 16.
"My mom got it for me and when she passed from cancer … it was the last time she rode in that car," said Belleville.
Belleville said the burglar popped a screen to get in.
It appears one of the exit points was the backyard. There, another slit was sliced in the tent. It appears the thief went over a wall. An ammunition box was left at the bottom of the wall.
The incident is another local break-in during a fumigation.
Belleville used Truly Nolen, an Arizona-based company with great Yelp reviews and an A+ rating at the BBB.
The company said they always suggest removing valuables.
"We will work with the homeowner and police department on this matter and hope the police can locate Mr. Belleville's stolen property, especially the 1981 Camaro," said company spokesperson Michelle Senner.
Senner said the homes are always padlocked, but it's up to the homeowners to provide security if they choose to.
That same night, burglars hit a condo complex under fumigation in Coronado.
Authorities told 10News they haven't found a connection.
If you have information on the case, call the Santee Sheriff's substation or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
