ST. LOUIS — The trailer used for the Safe Kids program at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital was found to be missing late Tuesday morning. It was filled with car seats used to train certified seat installers and special needs car seats.
The trailer had been stored near the Ronald McDonald House at Grand Boulevard and Park Avenue. It was last seen on April 27.
"We did have a lock on the trailer," said Josh Dugal, Trauma Program Manager at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.
However, that didn't stop thieves from taking off with Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital's 16-foot "Safe Kids" trailer.
The trailer used to be park in a space in an SSM Health Parking lot near the intersection of Louisiana and Park in south St. Louis.
"Really, really heartbreaking. I think it was a good opportunity for them. It was an easy way to hook up and take off with what looked to be a brand new trailer," said Dugal.
Representatives from the program discovered the trailer was stolen when they checked on the trailer in preparation for a class to train firefighters on Wednesday.
Hospital officials estimate it's a $30,000 theft.
"Someone just broke the lock and drove away with the trailer. A lot of that gear was (acquired) over years and is going to be hard to replace," said Dugal.
He said the gear inside the trailer had recently been renovated and will be hard to replace. It is used to train and certify seat installers like firefighters, police officers and hospital staff.
Current car seat statistics show motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children between the ages of three and 14.
Cardinal Glennon is convinced its Safe Kids prevention program is saving young lives.
"And we also know kids do really well if they're restrained inside the car with the proper staff and so that's why it's important to do the class," said Josh Dugal.
On Wednesday they will "do the training class" thanks to their colleagues in Columbia who loaned them some much-needed equipment.
Anyone with information is asked to please call St. Louis Metropolitan Police 314-231-1212.
Safe Kids St. Louis is part of a network of coalitions worldwide working to reduce injuries to children in ages 0-14. Founded in 1988 by Dr. Marty Eichelberger of the Children's National Hospital, the program works to prevent traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more.
Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital provided this photo of the contents of the missing trailer.
