An RCMP service pistol and ammunition were stolen in downtown Halifax Friday night from the vehicle of an off-duty New Brunswick Mountie.

Halifax Regional Police say the officer parked her personal vehicle around 8 p.m. in the lot at 1549 Lower Water St. When the officer returned about two hours later, a thief had broken in and stolen the gun and three ammunition magazines.

RCMP say the officer had the gun because she was about to travel to Gagetown, N.B., for training following a visit with friends in Halifax. Const. Jullie Rogers-Marsh says there are policies surrounding travelling with guns.

"The pistol must be unloaded and locked in the approved RCMP storage firearms container when travelling," she said. "And the pistol must also be inoperable with a secure locking device."

Halifax police say the gun was locked in a strong box in the vehicle, while the magazines each hold 15 bullets.

The gun is a nine millimetre Smith & Wesson model 5909. There is an RCMP logo on it and a silhouette of a mounted police officer. GRC is also inscribed in the right side of the slide.

Police say anyone with information about the theft should call 902-490-5016, or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), on the web at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or by texting Tip 202 + your message to 274637.