Weapons and ammunition were stolen from a Dawson County Sheriffs department vehicle and a second car parked overnight in a local subdivision.

A 12-gauge shotgun, a .223 rifle and ammunition were taken from an unmarked sheriffs office SUV parked in a subdivision in Dawson County, said Dawson County Sheriffs Capt. Tony Wooten.

The incident occurred in a local subdivision in the overnight hours of May 5 - 6.

The SUV belonged to Maj. Greg Rowan, head of the uniform patrol division, according to an incident report.

Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle said Maj. Rowans vehicle was locked at the time.

They pried the top off the door, and then used a Slim Jim to open it up, Carlisle said. Rowan always locks his doors.

The weapons were Rowans personal property, according to Carlisle.

A Slim Jim is used to unlock vehicles without use of a key or lock pick. It acts directly on the levers and rods that operate the door, according to a manufacturers website.

A second vehicle in the same subdivision was also robbed of a hand-gun. The type of handgun was unavailable.

Were continuing our investigation on both incidents and have contacted other counties to make them aware, Wooten said. This is the first time Im aware of that a sheriffs department vehicle has been broken into.

No arrests have been reported in either incident.

With warmer weather, people stay out later, Wooten said. Mark sure you keep your car doors locked, and keep your eyes out for your neighbors.

Residents are asked to call 911 to report suspicious activity in their area.