Law enforcement uniforms feared stolen from dry cleaners

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- "I was scared," says Acme Cleaners Manager Lilia Estrada. The 20 year employee of the business on Cesar Chavez at Avenue F is the first one in the door every morning. On Wednesday morning her eyes saw trouble when she walked in.

Estrada says, "Everything was on the floor, the cash register, clothes were everywhere."

Two hundred dollars cash was missing and possibly client's clothing, and not just any client. "We have a lot of clients who are police, HPD, constables."

The cleaners has a huge law enforcement business from police to constables event the Department of Homeland Security. Employees spent the day checking inventory.

An eyewitness says she saw about five young men dressed in black late Tuesday night adding, "I couldn't do anything because I'm afraid they might come back and do something to me."

Neighbor Paul Ramirez woke up to a knock from HPD. Officers asked him if his surveillance cameras could help provide any clues.

He says, "They went in through a window that's in between my garage and the business itself. They just happened to pick a night I would be asleep at the time."

Neighbors see law enforcement officers stop at the cleaners often and the thought a thief could have their hands on such a distinctive uniform is unnerving. "They could use them to commit crime, impersonate an officer, or sell them," says Ramirez.

The thieves may have accidentally left a calling card. Employees found an envelope with what's believed to be marijuana in it and someone's name. At the very least police should have a good lead. Ramirez says his word of advice to them, "Turn yourself in."

A spokesperson for HPD says they are aware of the possibility of stolen uniforms and have contacted the Major Offenders Unit. It's still not clear yet if uniforms were actually stolen during the crime.