Investigation underway after HFD station targeted by burglars

HOUSTON – Police are searching for thieves who are targeting firefighters in Tanglewood.

"We have an open-door policy with the fire department," Kenyatta Parker with the Houston Fire Department said. "Once it's open for the next shift, it's open until they shut the gate at 6 so people can come in and out. But typically no one does. We like to trust our community citizens."

Just before 8 a.m. Sunday someone took advantage of that trust.

"One of the guys heard a car alarm going off, looked out the window and noticed that there was a guy in his car," Parker said. "The guys rushed out of the station. The guy noticed the crew coming out of the station, hopped in his truck and fled the scene."

A source says the firefighters followed the burglar but lost him on Bering Drive.

Alvin White, interim president of  the Houston Firefighter's Union said the theft is a wake-up call for the city to add more security measures like cameras at all stations.

"We understand this is a cost for the city, but to protect our men and women at the fire stations and property, I think it's something the city should invest in," White said.

While the department figures out security procedures, the gate will remain closed during the day.

So far police have not given  description of the burglar, but they say he got away in what may be a white four-door Nissan truck.