The twenty-one MP5s and twelve .45s had been stored overnight in a “locked box” in a building that was considered, um, secure in downtown LA where the SWATties train. Notice the conspicuous lack of the term ‘gun safe’ for describing the storage unit were the missing heaters were held. Visions of a large tool box come to mind for some reason. “I guess ‘secure’ is all relative now,” (Chief Michael Downing) said. “It’s embarrassing…. It’s a lesson learned”…
Sure, the guns had been disabled to shoot only blanks for training purposes. But someone with a little knowledge and the right parts can change ’em right back to full potency without breaking a sweat. Don’t worry, though, Angelenos. As latimes.com reassures us, LA’s finest “are ‘working on leads,’ Downing said. He declined to elaborate but added that he believes the weapons will be found.”