Thugs damage SA buses

Thieves hacked out the catalytic converters on two Salvation Army buses, apparently to sell them for scrap metal. The damage to the buses, which are used to transport children in an after-school program, will top $1,200. While it was already clear a thief had to crawl on his or her belly to get at their intended target, many people were left wondering earlier this week how low someone really could go.

It was discovered Monday afternoon that someone had crawled beneath two Salvation Army buses parked outside the Salvation Army Church on Colonial Avenue and hacked out the catalytic converters from the two vehicles. The buses are used to transport children in the Salvation Army's after-school programs.

Because such parts aren't common to have in inventory, Nick's Muffler Shop on North Logan Street had to order the converters, which workers estimated would cost about $1,200, not including the cost of labor.

The Salvation Army expected to have both buses back today following the repairs.

Capt. Robbie Robbins of the Salvation Army, who returned to Gaffney last Saturday following a 14-day trip to Texas to help with hurricane relief efforts, was saddened and disappointed by the thefts.

"The Salvation Army is here to help the people in the community and some people make it harder for us to do that," he said. "I was shocked," he added. "I really was."

Though insurance will likely cover some of the costs, Robbins said the thefts have him considering the installation of security cameras to protect the Salvation Army's property. This couldn't come at a worse time, however, as Robbins said the Salvation Army's finances are very tight.

The charitable organization lost about $20,000 altogether recently when a very localized storm ripped through Gaffney and tore the roof from the charity's Thrift Store on West Robinson Street. Not only did the charity lose revenues while the store was closed, employees lost work time and wages during the down period.

Robbins and Salvation Army Church workers were able to determine the catalytic converters were stolen between Friday evening and Monday afternoon. The thefts were discovered when a worker started one of the buses and was startled by the loud noise from the dismantled exhaust system.

Had Robbins not been so tired from his long drive from Texas, the Salvation Army's losses could have been worse. He had driven the charity's disaster assistance truck and trailer to his home upon his arrival back in Gaffney on Saturday evening rather than take them back to the Salvation Army Church, where they also might have been targeted for the scrap yard value of some parts.