GADSDEN, Ala. (WIAT) - It's not everyday that crime fighters become crime victims, but it happened early Monday morning.  Thieves targeted five patrol cruisers from several different law enforcement agencies in Etowah County.

The crooks made off with all kinds of crime fighting gear like body armor, tasers and computers.  But the biggest loss is at least five M-4 assault rifles.  These guns bring big fire power.  Gun expert Peyton Zarzour at Hoover Tactical Firearms says they have a range of 600 meters and can fire as fast as the trigger is pulled.

Having these kinds of guns in the hands of criminals is a big problem and that's what the law enforcement community in Etowah County is worried about.  Sheriff Todd Entrekin says he's worried about every citizen in the county and will be worried until these guns are found and crooks put behind bars.

Investigators believe the crooks either used surveillance or, at the very least, followed the deputies and officers because the cars were in their driveways at home with the thefts happened.