Wichita ? Thieves have been breaking into law enforcement vehicles in the Wichita area and making off with weapons and other equipment.

The Wichita Eagle reported that the recent thefts from cop cars have raised concern in the law enforcement community and signal there’s a market for stolen police equipment. But it’s not clear how many of the thefts are related.

Wichita police have recorded about six law enforcement vehicle break-ins in the past year. The cars belonged to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Goddard police, KBI and Wichita police. Wichita police also heard of a series of burglaries last summer in Reno County, which includes Hutchinson.

Stolen equipment has included a semi-automatic rifle, binoculars, protective gear and ammunition.

The thefts have led the Butler County sheriff to have new sheriff’s cars equipped with alarms.