Police-issued bullets, handcuffs and baton stolen from Calgary police vehicle

A police vest, two full Glock magazines and handcuffs are among the items stolen from a police vehicle, the Calgary Police Service said in a statement Wednesday. 

Police say it happened Tuesday, when an unmarked, on-duty police vehicle was parked downtown. When officers returned to the vehicle, they discovered a number of items had been taken from the vehicle. 

Police say those items include:

• A black vest with a police patch on the front and back, including fitted soft-armour panels. 
• Two full Glock 9-mm magazines.
• Silver Smith and Wesson handcuffs.
• U.S. Armor Molle pouches for magazines.
• Police-issued black radio holder.
• Police-issued baton.
• Police-issued Cannon binoculars with a black case.

The statement said police are alerting the public in the interest of creating awareness of the potential fraudulent use of the police-identified clothing.

Anyone with concerns about the authenticity of a police officer approaching them is asked to contact Calgary 911 to verify the identity of the officer, police say. Officers are required to carry their badge and identify themselves either by last name or regimental number when asked by a member of the public they are interacting with.

The investigation into how the vehicle was accessed, and who might have been in the area at the time, is ongoing, police say. 

Asked if any officer is facing a disciplinary probe as a result of the theft, a spokesperson for the police service said the focus at this time is on how the theft occurred and to recover the equipment. 

"That all needs to be done first and then anything related to that part of it would come after the fact," she said.

Police are asking anyone with information on the theft to contact authorities.