The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of a 53 foot enclosed trailer containing caustic chemicals from the Anderson Jockey Lot at 4530 Highway 29 North, Belton.
According to officials, the substances inside the trailer were used for cleaning. The chemical that poses the most concern is approximately 1000 pounds of Sodium Hydroxide, sometimes called lye, and is commonly used as a drain cleaning agent. The compound was stored in 2.5 gallon unlabeled jugs.
Sodium Hydroxide is not combustible. Exposure to it, however, may burn the skin and mucus membranes. It also has the potential to cause shortness of breath and irritate the eyes.
The trailer also contains 26 parking lot lights and two kitchen ranges. It has wheels and is marked with the number “139” spray painted in black on the side. No other markings are present.
If the trailer is located, the community is advised not to approach or handle any of its contents and are asked to contact the nearest law enforcement agency to arrange for the proper cleanup of the chemicals.
Anyone with information on the theft, which occurred between April 7 and April 12, is asked to call the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office at 864-260-4400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC (274-6372).
