Gaston police officers remind public that possession of non-ferrous metals no joke after recent bust

Gaston, SC 07/15/2021 (Paul Kirby) - On Monday, July 12, 2021, a Town of Gaston police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for an unsafe lane violation. When the driver of the car yielded to the officer’s warning devices, the officer identified the driver as Danny Suggs. A quick check of computerized records showed that Suggs was driving under suspension.

While checking Sugg's vehilce further, the officer found several catalytic converters in his possession. These fall into a class of materials known as non-ferrous metals and in the State of South Carolina. Here, as in many states, you cannot be in possession of these if they are not properly installed on your vehicle or without a permit.

In the past five years, there has been an epidemic of catalytic converter thefts nationwide as thieves have learned to remove these from vehicles very quickly. They sell them for fast cash because of the precious metals they contain. Police found that Suggs was also in possession of a battery powered Sawzall, the thieves preferred tool for removing these from underneath vehicles. He was placed under arrest and charged accordingly after being transported to the Lexington County Detention Center.

Chief Stephen Watkins of the Gaston Police Department said after the arrest that he wants to remind all citizens to be mindful of this crime. Watkins said that it only takes thieves about 30 seconds to cut off the catalytic converters from a car, and this can result in a costly repair bill.

Chief Watkins suggest that you make it as difficult as possible to steal these from your vehicle. He said you should always park in well-lit areas, in the site line of surveillance cameras if you have them, and immediately report any suspicious persons in your area to law enforcement. Often these thieves carry large bags that can contain and conceal converters and the tools needed to remove them. They may also be seen loitering around vehicles in parking lots or driveways. The time of day is not always important. In many cases, these thieves have struck in broad daylight.

To report an emergency anywhere in Lexington County, dial 911. To speak to a Gaston officer directly call (803) 785-2521 and ask to speak to the on call Gaston officer.