JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An assault rifle, ammo, a bullet-proof vest and other police tactical gear were stolen from an unmarked police car, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said.

The theft took place Tuesday night outside the officer's home, and the officer discovered the theft Wednesday morning, police said.

According to the police report, there was evidence the thieves broke into the car and popped the trunk.

"The rifle was sitting in the trunk near the bag of ammunition that also contained the other items. Nothing else appeared tampered with or missing in the trunk," according to the police report.

Police said the items stolen included a .223-caliber Panther assault rifle that had 28 rounds in it, a bag of .223-caliber and .40-caliber ammunition, a Kevlar vest and other tactical gear.

"Seems like a very bold move. In most police cars, there are alarms on the trunks so if someone pries it open or some way with forced entry, the alarm goes off. Seems like this may not have happened this time. He says he's very sure he did lock the car and trunk and since the door had been pried open, it appears it was locked," said Gil Smith, News4Jax crime and safety analyst.

Smith said it's OK for officers to keep a rifle in the trunk of a patrol car.

"When off duty, all weapons will be stored in the vehicle's trunk, secured by an issued cable lock," JSO policy reads. "No firearm will be left unattended in the passenger compartment of the vehicle."