A sheriff's deputy has been caught on security video allegedly stealing two safes, a rifle case and ceiling fans from a California home, days after he responded to the death of the elderly owner.

Steve Hortz, a 12-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff's Department, is accused of breaking into the home in Yorba Linda three times in late-July and mid-August and making off with the dead man's property.  

Hortz was arrested Thursday and booked into Santa Ana Jail on suspicion of burglary.

He is currently on paid administrative leave, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Hortz responded to a 911 call at the home on July 20 about the death from natural causes of a man in his 70s, authorities said.

The deputy then allegedly returned at least three times to the property in late July and mid-August, stealing two safes, ceiling fans, a rifle case and other items 'yet to be determined.'

Shocking home video footage captured Hortz's numerous unauthorized visits to the home. 

He first returned on July 27, one week after he responded to the man's death, sheriff's officials said.

Footage of this incident shows Hortz dressed in his sheriff's uniform approaching the back door to the home and looking around.   

The Sheriff's Department said he then 'broke into the unoccupied residence through the rear and left a short time later'.