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Jul 16, 2008 5:14 pm US/Central
DPD Officer's Badge, Gun Stolen From His Apartment
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
A Dallas Police Officer's badge and gun were stolen out of his apartment.
Dallas police say it is part of a string of 19 burglaries in the uptown area since April. In one upscale apartment complex alone, thieves have struck at least three times in the last few days.
Investigators say the burglars seem to be very familiar with the location, and may even live in the area they are burglarizing. Police say it's possible they are studying when people are coming and going. In one instance, they stayed long enough to eat a snack.
"It is surprising how brazen they are, but somehow they've done their homework," said Dallas Police Senior Corporal Janice Crowther. "They're casing the area, finding out when people are coming and going, and how long they're gonna be gone."
According to police, the thieves have the same method of operation. In almost every instance, the burglars have drilled through the door lock. Once inside, the thieves have stolen clothes, jewelry and electronics.
In the case of the police officer, they stole his badge, a utility belt, a pistol and a safe. Police aren't sure if the officer was targeted.
Dallas police are concerned about someone using the badge to impersonate a police officer. Police advise if a pedestrian is ever stopped by a suspicious vehicle, the person should call 911 and confirm that the squad car is legitimate.
"If you think someone is impersonating a police officer, you have the right to see that officer's identification. The ID should coordinate with the same with the badge number," said Corporal Crowther.
Police also drive marked vehicles for routine traffic stops. Real police officers will only take the driver's license and insurance card, not the driver's entire wallet.
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