HANCOCK COUNTY — Some may think collecting road signs is a fun way to decorate a garage or a man cave, but officials with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department don’t think it’s a great idea.
In fact, taking down signs is downright dangerous and costly, officials said. It’s also stealing.
It appears someone has been stealing road signs at several spots in the county. Investigators speculate the thief or thieves are collecting them or possibly selling them to scrap yards for cash.
The county highway department says more than 30 signs have disappeared.
The thefts are occurring in southeastern portion of the county, said Capt. Robert Harris, public information officer for the sheriff’s department.
“Three stop signs were stolen last week alone,” Harris said.
The thefts, Harris noted, are becoming an expensive problem for taxpayers, since each sign must be replaced — including the labor hours. But that’s not the worst part about the thefts.
“More importantly, the sign thefts are causing a safety issue for drivers,” Harris said.
Signs are being taken from locations where drivers may not know about a sharp curve or a required stop.
“The safety issue is even greater since this is occurring in remote areas where the theft may go unnoticed for some time,” Harris said.
Deputies are increasing patrols in the area, and officials from the highway department are also taking steps to catch the thieves, although they didn’t want to say what those steps are.
Anyone with any information about who might be taking the signs is asked to call the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department at 317-477-1147.
“We appreciate any tips, even if they are anonymous,” Harris said. “Our highest priority is to keep the public safe.”
