Thieves target officers' vehicles to steal weapons, gear

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Somebody has been going to Hickory Police Department officers’ homes and breaking into their vehicles, stealing things such as bulletproof vests, a rifle, ammunition and a police drone.

[Stolen brewery van used in dozen break-ins, police say]

The State Bureau of Investigation and federal law enforcement were called in to look into the crimes.

Long View police haven't had any of their patrol cars targeted -- and aren't taking any chances.

“We’ve reached out to our officers to let them know to start taking in their weapons, all bulletproof vests and any badges or anything they may keep in their cars at night,” Lt. Ray Denton said.

Someone tried to smash the driver's side window of a patrol car in Burke County but nothing was stolen because the deputy knew about the other break-ins.

“Nobody out here wants criminals posing as law enforcement, so I would hope that people would be willing to share any information they have,” Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant said.

Some officers believe the stolen items are being quickly sold. We found out this afternoon investigators here are now getting help from both state and federal law enforcement on the cases.

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Cox Media Group