WINNSBORO – After a second theft of catalytic converters from transit buses in the Fairfield County transit system/maintenance shop in less than four months, Transit Director Diana White said the county is looking into purchasing better security for the bus lot.
On Sept. 28, 2021, catalytic converters were reported stolen from two of the buses in the lot. White told officers then that one of her employees reported the theft at about 5 o’clock that morning. Both buses had been parked at the rear left side of the maintenance area, according to the incident report.
The two converters were valued at $2,164, with $500 in damage to the two buses.
White told The Voice that the bus lot was equipped with security cameras, but that they were not working.
Thieves struck a second time on Jan. 21, 2022, taking catalytic converters from eight buses.
White reported the thefts were discovered about 4:45 that morning. According to the incident report, a large hole had been cut out of the fence directly behind where the buss were parked. Tire tracks were also reported on the left hand side of the shop behind the fence as well.
The eight stolen catalytic converters were valued at $1,200.
Again, deputies report that the security cameras at the facility were not working.
“After the first incident in September, we were talking about repairing or replacing the cameras,” White said. “Then, after the second theft last month, we began gathering estimates for a new security system for the transit parking and maintenance area. As soon as we get all the estimates, we’ll know if we need to bid out the purchase of a new security system for the lot,” White said. “Any price over $10,000 will have to be bid out.”
Fairfield County Sheriff Will Montgomery asked that anyone with information about the two thefts to call 803-625-4141.
