THUNDER BAY -- A prohibited-class police handgun was stolen from a local officer's private vehicle on Saturday night. Sometime between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

THUNDER BAY -- A prohibited-class police handgun was stolen from a local officer's private vehicle on Saturday night.

Sometime between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.Sunday, thives broke into a south side vehicle and took a red and white backpack with the words "World Health" emblazened on it.

The backpack contained a Glock 26 firearm and three 10-round magazines of ammunition.

The Thunder Bay Police Service is asking that the firearm and the ammunition be turned in.

"Our goal in this is public safety. We need to get that firearm off the streets," said Thunder Bay Police spokesman, Chris Adams.

"We're very concerned. It's obviously a very dangerous situation if it falls into the wrong hands."

Adams encouraged anyone who has come across the weapon or the backpack to contact police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers.

Crime Stoppers can be contacted anonymously.

Adams said the circumstances surrounding a prohibited firearm being left in an officer's private vehicle will be the subject of an investigation. He added it's too early to say whether the officer who was issued the weapon is facing any disciplinary action.

Adams believes this is the first time such an incident has occurred in Thunder Bay.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story referred to the Glock 26 as a restricted weapon. It is classified as a prohibited weapon in Canada.