A trailer containing a replica car from "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" was stolen from a costume supply store parking lot early Thursday morning.
Staff at A-Z Theatrical Supply & Service, located on East Meyer Boulevard, said the crime occurred just after midnight on Thursday and was caught on the store's surveillance cameras.
"You got a great trailer and something that's probably important to a lot of other people," explained staff member Ashley Personett. "It's a really cool piece that we've gotten to rent a lot."
Personett told 41 Action News that theatre companies often rent the car for productions for thousands of dollars.
The car has been used in shows across the country and features wings, movable wheels, and floatation devices.
Personett explained that the car often brought smiles to children who visited the store.
"It's an interesting piece. It's fun. It was great. We have it out here on display and kids love it," she said. "It's really disappointing and discouraging that it's gone."
The car theft at the theatre store is the latest incident in a growing crime across the metro.
According to KCPD crime stats for the month of March, car thefts are up five percent compared to the same time last year.
At a Board of Police Commissioners meeting in April, Interim Police Chief David Zimmerman said fighting the crime can be a difficult challenge.
"There doesn't appear to be a specific pattern or a specific division over one division," he explained.
A map of KCMO crimes also shows over 100 car thefts over the last two weeks.
With the trailer and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" car still missing, Ashley Personett hoped police could find whoever was responsible.
"It's still gone and we hope it comes back," she explained. "We would love to find it, of course. It would be even better if it's intact."
A-Z Theatrical Supply & Service is providing a $500 reward for information on the case.
Anyone who can help the investigation or sees the car or trailer is asked to call 816-474-TIPS.
