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Samantha Hayes reportingA SWAT team and detectives with a warrant in hand went into a Kearns home looking for stolen guns, ID's and other sensitive material.
It's not someone else's property, investigators say. The suspects stole it from deputies. They say thieves have broken into several patrol cars on the west side of the valley. They say the vehicles were targeted while unattended, overnight, at deputies' homes.
The lead detective on this case told me officers' vehicles are broken into from time to time. But he says at least six vehicle burglaries in and around the same area make this unusual. They believe the same suspects are at work, breaking into patrol cars in other parts of the valley too.
Law enforcement agencies worked together last night when a judge signed a search warrant at two residences in Kearns.
Officers, with the help of SWAT teams, recovered evidence they say is helpful to their case. They arrested two people in connection with the crimes. They believe there are more suspects involved.
But their biggest concern is the rest of stolen property- and specifically the firearms.
Detectives say the suspects forced their way into police vehicles parked unattended at officers' homes.
Firearms-secured inside the vehicles were stolen. County policy requires officers to secure weapons in one form or another when left inside the patrol car. Detectives say bullet proof vests and officer ID's were also stolen.
They believe that property is being sold for a lot of money and possibly being used in other crimes by the suspects.
Police believe the suspects are probably young gang members.
Officers say they are being extremely vigilant right now. Word is out to other police agencies for any information that may lead to recovery of stolen property and the arrest of the suspects.
If you have any information, you are asked to call Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department.
