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CENTER CITY (WTXF) - "It's horrible, disgraceful."
"That not good, but this is Philly, anything happens here," Tyrone Daniels said.
Lots of worry tonight after police say a man stole a Philadelphia police officer's patrol jacket, badge and hat from the Criminal Justice Center yesterday.
The officer briefly left them on a bench while testifying in court...and when he came out they were gone!
"Its unfortunate that people are that bold and brazen to do something like that."
"I can't fathom."
"What are you gonna do with it?"
The possibility of the thief pretending to be a police officer is where the concern comes into play.
Police Commissioner Richard Ross said, "We don't need people out there impersonating police officers. It's tough enough out there for there for the men and women without somebody with poor intentions wearing our uniform."
The thief who is believed to be between 40 and 50 years old was clearly caught on surveillance. He was seen leaving the CJC with the officer's uniform in a white Macy's bag.
"Sure it worries you, anyone who can impersonate a police officer, anyone who has the nerve to do it in the first place is even more dangerous," Skip Scully said.
While many were surprised someone would stoop so low, others believe the officer was downright careless.
Miguel Velazzo, a Philly visitor, said, "That's not good- shouldn't have put it down in a way, should have take way more care than that, cause that's other people's lives on the line."
"It's basically going to be very intimidating to another citizen, so it is scary," Hope Katz said.
Commisioner Ross admits the officer should have safeguarded his uniform and is urging the person who stole the gear to turn it in.
"Obviously for the public, if you do get stopped and you don't feel like things are above board, you can always call 9-11 and ask for a supervisor and then go from there."