Guns, badge stolen from home of ex-officer
The Calgary Police Service need help identifying two suspects in a break-in where multiple firearms and a police badge were stolen from a former police officer’s house.
During daylight hours on Sept. 14, police said, two men are believed to have entered a home in the 100 block of Copperfield Heights S.E. before making off with multiple firearms.
In total, nine handguns, four rifles and the badge of a retired Calgary Police Service member were all taken from the home.
Inspector Mike Bossley with the CPS Investigative Operations Section said retired officers are allowed to purchase and keep their service badges. Bossley said retired badges are marked with a special “retired insignia,” but the missing badge could still pose a risk to the safety of Calgarians if misused.
“Anytime an officer’s badge is stolen or goes missing, we want to ensure that the public is aware of such an occurrence,” Bossley said. “The big thing is, if anybody ever questions or is concerned about a police officer’s identity, they should call the Calgary Police Service to determine whether or not that person is an active member of the Calgary Police Service.”
Police could not confirm if the thieves knew the weapons were in the home, but he could confirm the weapons were safely stored at the time of the break-in.
“They were all legally owned and registered, and properly secured inside the residence,” Bossley said. “They were locked up.”
Bossley said the weapons were registered to the homeowner and not the retired officer, adding the homeowner has a connection to the retired officer. Bossley could not comment on their relationship.
“With respect to the badge, it’s something just to commemorate their years of service within the Calgary Police Service,” Bossley said.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage of the crime and have released photos in hopes that the public can help identify the suspects.