Submachine Guns, Pistols Stolen From LAPD SWAT Training Site

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Two separate investigations are underway Monday after multiple submachine guns and pistols used for SWAT training by the LAPD were found missing.

KNX 1070's Pete Demetriou reports the weapons were stolen from a building owned and used specifically for training by the LAPD.

The 21 MP-5 submachine guns and a dozen Colt 45 automatic pistols were taken from a locked container inside the Kennedy Building on San Pedro Street, police officials said.

The location — which formerly housed clothing firms before it was donated to the LAPD several years ago — is considered a secure site, Deputy Chief Michael Downing told the Associated Press.

While the weapons had been modified to fire training ammunition, the concern is that they could easily be converted back to fire live rounds.

"These guns can't be used with regular ammunition unless they're significantly modified back," said LAPD Commander Andy Smith.

With the proper fittings, the MP-5  can fire live ammo at 600 rounds minute — potentially putting heavy firepower into criminal hands.

A second administrative investigation is also underway as to why the weapons were stored in a location with no alarms or security cameras.

"We always do an internal investigation whenever anything like this occurs, and we'll have our investigators look at it from top to bottom," said Smith.