Auburn Police SUV w/ "Patrol Rifle" Stolen

[decklin]

http://q13fox.com/2015/12/27/auburn-police-suv-stolen-from-parking-lot-rifle-inside/How come when it's in the hands of a citizen it's an assault rifle? Then in the hands of an officer it's magically a patrol rifle or even, gasp, just a rifle?
Where are the calls for police to have better control over their equipment? Apparently an unlocked SUV behind a 4 foot fence is "secure".
My favorite part of the article:
"Hirman confirmed that there was a loaded police rifle inside the vehicle, but unless the thief knew some secure information, the crook would not be able to access and use the gun."

Secure information? Like what? Knowing how to use the drill he stole from Home Depot? He could probably just use a rock too.

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[IronMonster]

Auburn cops are for the most part good folks. I have had a business there for 12 years and had a number of interactions (more than a few) and have been impressed.

I am inclined to cut them some slack for a momentary bout of stupidity.

 

[decklin]

Auburn cops are for the most part good folks. I have had a business there for 12 years and had a number of interactions (more than a few) and have been impressed.

I am inclined to cut them some slack for a momentary bout of stupidity.

I've had good interactions too but there seems to be several bouts of stupidity with this one.
Haven't reviewed the camera footage but have communicated with news outlets.
4 foot fence
Apparently no LoJack.
Loaded rifle in plain view left unattended.
Thinks lock cannot be defeated.

 

[Brutus57]

Agree with Monster on cutting them a little slack for stupidity, I had a cell phone, double Mackinaw Filson Cruiser, safety vest, new black leather brief case (recent Christmas present from a girlfriend) and my checkbook stolen out of my car in South Hill. Pierce County deputies took the info and report, did nothing, Auburn cops sent the little chit who was writing checks on my account to jail for 18 months. unfortunately got nothing back.

Brutus Out

 

[ZA_Survivalist]

So, if they passed the mandatory lock up bill like they've proposed in the past, why the bubblegum arent leos subject to the same punishment? Wonder if they'd get harassed just as bad as us civilians do, especially if its used/found in a crime.

Exemption is BS.

 

[IronMonster]

I bet the guy who screwed up pays a real price. This is a good ol boy town, Not some Metro police force.

 

[B5Ben]

So aren't all marked police cruisers loaded with electronics/communications for running DL's, plates, etc? How can it be that hard to locate?

And yes, I think the "secure" rifle is much less secure than they would like you to believe. A few standard tools and I bet its free as a bird.

 

[IronMonster]

yeah, I agree. "secure" means it wont fall out if you bump it.

 

[Certaindeaf]

Probably forgot to set the emergency brake. It's probably down the hill and idling in the crick as we speak.

 

[rick benjamin]

Cruiser w police rifle found

 

[Brutus57]

Cruiser w police rifle found

Until they check out the rifle and it's an airsoft, heeeh hee, hee, hee.

Brutus Out

 

[Member 5605]

Until they check out the rifle and it's an airsoft, heeeh hee, hee, hee.

Brutus Out

They can always convert it back to a rifle. Until then it will go floof, floof, floof... And not bang bang bang

 

[Caveman Jim]

I take no ill will with a good police force but agree 100% with the OP on the description of said rifle.
The civilian is always politicized due to ownership of evil black rifles but any GOV agency gets a free ride!!!!

 

[Brutus57]

They can always convert it back to a rifle. Until then it will go floof, floof, floof... And not bang bang bang

or PEW, PEW, PEW!

Brutus Out

 

[Sgt Nambu]

yeah, I agree. "secure" means it wont fall out if you bump it.

Monster, I'd suggest "it might not fall out if you bump it."

I'm glad it was located, bit worried! I don't want anyone hurt, and if someone was hurt it would suddenly be our fault that the LEO's can't just be armed with Barney Fife pistols!

 

[jbett98]

Sounds like the vehicle had the keys in it and was running with nobody around when the thief decided to jump the fence and go for a joy ride.

 

[clearconscience]

Not sure how patrol cars aren't alarmed just like most cars these days. Put a cheap viper alarm in it. and make sure you lock it!

Seems to be a common thing these days. It's usually an easy target.

 

[IronMonster]

It was running with the door open when it was taken. Pretty sure an alarm would not have helped

 

[Powderman]

So aren't all marked police cruisers loaded with electronics/communications for running DL's, plates, etc? How can it be that hard to locate?

And yes, I think the "secure" rifle is much less secure than they would like you to believe. A few standard tools and I bet its free as a bird.

You'd be wrong.

 

[Powderman]

I've had good interactions too but there seems to be several bouts of stupidity with this one.
Haven't reviewed the camera footage but have communicated with news outlets.
4 foot fence
Apparently no LoJack.
Loaded rifle in plain view left unattended.
Thinks lock cannot be defeated.

Rifle NOT in plain view.
Not a member of that department, but if you don't know where to look in some cases, you will not find it.