By HOLLY GASKILL
Nearly 20 Wells County traffic control signs have been stolen in recent weeks.
Shawn Bonar, Highway Department supervisor, told the Board of Commissioners the theft is largely clustered in Rockcreek and Lancaster townships. However, as the department became aware of the situation three weeks ago, they began to locate more missing signs throughout the county.
Various sign types have been stolen, but stop or stop ahead signs are the most common. In one circumstance, the entire post was taken.
The theft has rarely targeted the same signs, but when it has, Bonar said theft-proof bolts were sawed through.
“It doesn’t take very long to search for someone who stole a stop sign and ended up being liable for a death,” Commissioner Mike Vanover said.
This is the second time this year the department has observed serial sign theft — the first string occurred in March, also primarily in Rockcreek and Lancaster townships, but tapered off. Bonar believes a group of students are responsible for the majority of the signs.
County Engineer Nate Rumschlag emphasized this theft brings a significant expense to the county — each sign replacement costs between $300 and $400 for the materials and labor.
“We are going to figure out why, and we are going to get it to stop,” Bonar said.
With the most string of theft, the following locations were targeted: 200N and 100E, 200N and Meridian Road, 200W and 400N, 400N and 100W, Meridian Road and 400N, Meridian Road and 300N, 525N and 300W, 525N and 400W, 200N and 100E, 350N at the railroad crossing, 1000N and 450E, 700E and 400S, and 900S and Ind. 1.
holly@news-banner.com
