Police officer’s badge, vest stolen

A Lorain off-duty police officer had his unmarked police car broken into and his ballistic (bulletproof) vest stolen Dec. 21, according to a news release.

The vest is black and has pouches attached that carry various police equipment, including a flashlight, handcuffs and spare magazines, the release stated.

The officer’s gold metallic police badge also was stolen, as it was attached to the vest.

This vest is the type that officers wear over their shirt, often while in civilian or tactical clothing.

Authorities are urging citizens to be aware of this theft in the event the thief might attempt to pose as a police officer, according to the release.

If you are approached or stopped by a police officer in an unmarked car and believe the person is not actually an officer, call 911 or the Lorain Police Department’s main number at 440-2042100, and the officer’s identity can be verified, according to the release.

Continue to drive, in a safe and cautious manner, to a safe area where there are other people present, the release said.

An uniformed officer in a marked patrol car will be sent to verify the identity of the officer(s) in the unmarked car, according to the release.

The safety of citizens is the most important concern, the release said.

Anyone with information pertaining to the stolen ballistic vest or badge are asked to contact the Lorain Police Department at 440-204-2100.