Man Suspected in Theft of Fire Extinguishers

SAN BERNARDINO – Police are still searching for a man posing as a fire extinguisher technician, considered responsible for nearly a dozen thefts in two counties beginning in May.

The suspect, say police, is Parviz Alemansoor, 52, of San Bernardino. A release says Alemansoor has been seen driving a 1999 blue Ford Taurus, the license plate reading 5EISO75. Thefts have occurred in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties, said authorities.

Parviz Alemansoor

Lt. Paul Williams, spokesman for San Bernardino police, says Alemansoor enters businesses under the “guise of being a service technician for a local fire extinguisher company.”
Fire extinguishers need to be recharged, or serviced, occasionally, so the suggestion that equipment needs to be upgraded might seem reasonable to business owners, said police.
Williams said the suspect’s method of operation is to remove all of the fire extinguishers from the business without servicing or returning them. Multiple commercial businesses have been victimized, he said. The thefts have occurred between May and October this year, said Williams.

Since the law enforces businesses to have fire extinguishers, there is an immediate cost involved to replace those that have been stolen. Since fire extinguishers are considered life saving devices, theft is considered a third degree felony. Punishment for stealing fire extinguishers can range up to five years in prison, or a $5,000 fine, or both, according to statutes.
Williams said Det. Devin Peck and Sgt. Travis Walker are conducting the investigation in this case, referring questions to (909) 384-5615.

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