Calgary police are asking for public assistance in their investigation into a car prowling in the Crowfoot Crossing Shopping Centre which resulted in the removal of a police issued rifle and ammunition from a vehicle.

On Saturday evening, an off-duty member of the Calgary Police Service parked his Subaru outside of a restaurant on Crowfoot Terrace N.W. While the CPS member was inside the restaurant, an unidentified suspect gained access to the vehicle and removed a locked hard covered case containing:

A C-8 police issue patrol rifle

Two magazines containing 28 rounds each

According to police officials, the officer planned to clean the patrol rifle at home while off-duty. The officer, who has been a member of the force for three years, is in the process of being suspended with pay while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is conducted.

"There is no reason in my mind why an officer would take this firearm home," said CPS Superintendent Kevan Stuart.

"It's a semi-automatic police rifle," explains Stuart, adding the weapon is capable of inflicting significant damage if in the wrong hands.

Police are attempting to locate a surveillance camera recording of the incident.

Anyone who was the victim of a car prowling in the Crowfoot Crossing Shopping Centre, or has information about the theft, is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service, 403-266-1234, or Crime Stoppers.