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Gun, badge stolen from Lake County Sheriff detective's undercover patrol car

GROVELAND, Fla. — Channel 9 learned a Lake County Sheriff's Office computer, gun and badge and department access card were stolen out of a detective's undercover cruiser in Groveland overnight.

Detective Amber Warren is an 11-year veteran with the Sheriff's Office, and investigators say she did not violate department policy by leaving the items in the vehicle.

Lt. John Herrell said detectives are allowed to leave their weapons in their vehicles as long as it is secured. That means the weapon is not visible and the car is locked.

The Sheriff's Office wants to get the stolen items back and they're looking for the person responsible for the break-in.

Investigators believe the crook likely used a Slim Jim to unlock the door and didn't know it was a patrol car until finding the badge and weapon.

Officials said Warren has a clean record overall except for a one-day suspension in 2004 for not finding a knife on an arrestee.

No other vehicle burglaries were reported on the detective's street.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lake County Sheriff's Office.