The parking lots of Charlotte Fire Department stations are monitored by security cameras — and many are blocked off with gates — because thieves have repeatedly targeted firefighters' personal cars over the years.
In December, Charlotte City Council agreed to spend up to $185,000 to outfit the rest of the city's fire stations with security cameras, hoping to cut down on break-ins.
But over the weekend, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police say thieves climbed over the gates at three fire stations and stole firefighters' laptops and guns, among other items, from their cars. One man has been arrested, but another suspect is still at large, police said.