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Gun, ammunition stolen from Statesville officer's personal car

HICKORY, N.C. — Authorities are searching for hundreds of rounds of police ammunition and a handgun that were stolen out of an officer's personal car.

The theft was reported at a busy shopping center in Hickory while the Statesville police officer was off duty.

Police told Channel 9 reporter Dave Faherty that they haven't found any surveillance cameras near where the officer parked his car.

The officer went to Hickory to go to a gun range and then went to the shopping center.

The thief stole a Glock 23 handgun along and 200 rounds of ammunition from the car.

Police said he thought he had locked the vehicle before he went into a store.

"His captain is probably having a word with him, so oh Lord,” resident Johnny Curtis said.

"I feel like they should be held to a higher standard because they are our protectors. They need to also protect themselves," resident Jane Yoder said.

Police in Hickory said they didn't learn about the theft until almost 48 hours later.

Investigators in Statesville said the officer had switched personal vehicles and didn't realize that his range bag filled with flashlights, ammunition, magazines and the gun were gone until Sunday.  The department encourages its officers to carry their weapons when they are off duty.

"That's kind of dangerous with crazy people around these days,” resident Tammy Smith said.

"He should know to keep his door locked, especially this day and time,” resident Ann Haynes said.

Channel 9 learned that the gun that was stolen is one that the department has mostly phased out and not one that the officer uses every day.

Faherty asked if any disciplinary action will be taken and was told that because it is a personnel issue, the department couldn't comment.

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