DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - The DeKalb County Sheriff is deeply concerned that someone may be on the streets impersonating an officer.
This after the sheriff’s office said a deputy’s take home, unmarked car was broken into and more than $6,000 worth of items stolen.
“They were able to make access to the trunk of the vehicle through the inside of the car and stole items out of the trunk,” said Major L.J. Roscoe, Field Division Commander with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said it happened in the area of Young and Panola Roads in Lithonia. The stolen items include, several concealment vests, a tactical vest, a Taser and a S.W.A.T. ballistic shield weighing close to 50 pounds.
Sheriff Jeffrey Mann is concerned that someone may be wearing items with the sheriff’s logo and commit a crime.
“We have seen people use law enforcement paraphernalia to try to commit crimes, home invasions, armed robberies and we are concerned,” said Major Roscoe.
Major Roscoe is warning people who see anything suspicious about someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer to call 911.
"Through our radio communication systems, 911 is able to verify instantaneously if it is a legitimate officer at your door. Same thing on a traffic stop,” said Major Roscoe.
The sheriff is troubled that these items may be used against law enforcement officers as well.
With recent events throughout our country involving officers, the sheriff’s office said it’s frustrating that someone could be doing harm, pretending to be someone who is supposed to protect and serve.
“If a crime is committed and someone had on some sheriff's office paraphernalia, the automatic assumption is going to be that it's an officer gone wrong and it could potentially not be,” said Major Roscoe.
If you see anything suspicious, investigators ask you to contact the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.