Quincy men arrested for attempting to steal car parts in Hancock County

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Two Quincy men have been charged with criminal trespass to real property, possession of burglary tools and theft over $500 after they were arrested by Hancock County Sheriff’s Department deputies.

A property owner in rural Carthage reported a suspicious vehicle and two suspicious males on his property shortly before 10 a.m. Thursday. Sheriff’s deputies arrived at 905 N. State Hwy 94 and encountered a White 2002 Ford truck that did not belong on the property. The occupants, Cory R. Mefford, 34, of Quincy and Joseph D. Hardy, 33, Quincy, appeared to be in the process of committing theft at the property.

Mefford and Hardy were allegedly attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle on the property. They were found to be in possession of burglary tools. Deputies discovered the men had stolen catalytic converters in different areas of Hancock County as well as in neighboring jurisdictions. They were found in possession of the stolen items.

Both subjects were transported to the Hancock County Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed, according to Hancock County Sheriff Travis Duffy.