LAKEWOOD, COLO. -- The Jefferson County SWAT team is missing a dangerous weapon -- a sub-machine gun capable of firing 30 rounds in less than three seconds.

A relaxing night out for SWAT team members last Wednesday ended with a vehicle break-in, and the disappearance of an HK MP5.

The thief or thieves also got away with ammunition, bulletproof vests and other tactical gear used by the SWAT team.

Jefferson County Sheriff Ted Mink told 7NEWS, "It happened. It's unfortunate. Hopefully, we can resolve it."

Lakewood police interviewed employees of Jackson's All-American Sports Grill at 675 Kipling and took interior surveillance tape from the restaurant.

So far, five persons of interest have been identified. One of those five has spoken with detectives.

The MP5 hasn't been sold in gun stores since the late 1980s, and is now only available to law enforcement.

The SWAT team member who had his car broken into is a 14-year veteran of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and a four-and-a-half year veteran of the Special Weapons and Tactics squad.

He is not on leave and is using a replacement weapon.

Mink said SWAT officers often carry their weapons and tactical gear, in order to respond quickly to threats, such as the Platte Canyon High School shooting in September.

"And I would hate to be the person that says, 'Well, you go there but don't take your equipment. Or, leave your equipment at home,'" he added.

While it doesn't appear that the deputy was violating any policy, Mink told 7NEWS they will look at how the weapon was being stored in the vehicle to determine if any policy changes are warranted.