$1 Million In Medical Gloves—Meant For First Responders—Stolen From Florida Warehouse

Topline

Thieves in Florida were caught on security footage stealing close to $1 million worth of plastic gloves headed for hospitals over the weekend, as healthcare workers worldwide navigate shortages in precious personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“We’ve had hospitals asking for this product on a daily basis waiting for this to arrive. It’s heartbreaking in so many different ways,” Grimes told the Associated Press, adding that “these are not just consumers. These are friends. We play an important part in the role of health care.”

Key Background

The sharp demand for PPE like face masks and plastic gloves when the pandemic hit has driven increasing reports of medical products being stolen and hoarded. In April, a man in New York was arrested for allegedly hoarding and price gouging thousands of medical products, reportedly selling face masks at a 700% markup to a doctor in New Jersey. A box of 100 face masks meant for firefighters was also reportedly stolen from outside a fire station in Richmond, Maine in August. Last week, two South Carolina men were charged for trying to steal PPE from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston. “It is tragic that, at a time when PPE is most needed and in short supply, someone would steal this vital equipment from those who train our front-line federal law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy Jr. said in a statement.

Further Reading

Millions of gloves meant for hospitals were stolen in Broward County. Cameras recorded it (Miami Herald)

Nearly $1M in medical gloves stolen from Coral Springs warehouse (WSVN)

Thieves take $1M worth of gloves meant for Florida hospitals (Associated Press)