Police are used to catching the bad guys.

But in this case, the bad guys caught up to them.

York Regional Police are red faced after five cops lost their badges earlier this week.

The officers were taking some recreation time at the Aurora Community Centre Monday morning and left their wallets – including their I.D., credit cards and shields - in a change room. They locked the door but someone broke in from an adjoining washroom and managed to get into the deserted area.

When the five cops returned an hour later, they were stunned to find their items – and the thief – both gone.

The crime has led the force to put out a warning to the public to beware of anyone that might stop them claiming to be a police officer.

Normally, getting an officer to show you his I.D.is a routine part of police work and enough to prove they are who they say they are.

But until the pilfered shields can be recovered, no one can really be sure who’s who.

Authorities are advising anyone who has contact with a York officer or has any suspicions about a cop's identity to call their local precinct to confirm the I.D.

And they’re also hoping their phones will ring with information on the culprit who literally took the law into his own hands. The material was stolen sometime between 11am and 12:10pm on Monday at 1 Community Centre Lane.

If you think you know who this big steal man is, call 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7141, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

You can be sure the real thing will answer the phone.

April 5, 2006

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