Thieves may try to steal parts from your car or truck.

The growing catalytic converter theft problem has spurred SC lawmakers to raise fines and jail time.

Their proposed law aims to punish thieves like those Lexington Police caught at JT’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram at 4838 Sunset Blvd. last week.

The bill will make it eas ier for police to seize stolen, used, detached catalytic converters and make it more difficult to sell them.

The minimum fine begins at $300 and/or 3 years in jail Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Adam Myrick said thieves crawl under cars and steal the parts for a quick buck.

About 50 Lexington County catalytic converter thefts were reported in the last 6 months of 2019. the county in the last six months of 2020.

Some scrap yards are illegally selling the converters, he said.

Thieves not only hit businesses like JT’s that have a lot of cars but family cars in driveways.

Myrick recommends you park your cars in well-lit areas easy to keep an eye on. You can also take your cars to mechanics to see if they can secure your catalytic converters.

Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green said Tyler Lee Childers, 23, of Harleyville, and John Otis Carn III, 24, of St. George, were found at JT’s stealing parts.

They were assisted by the sheriff’s department and a drone to find Childers hiding in woods behind JT’s.

“This case highlights how our officers’ quick response and having immediate access to a drone greatly assisted in these arrests,” Green said.