Theft of Street Signs on the Rise

The Door County Highway Department is concerned about the rising number of thefts of street signs around the county. Photo by Myles Dannhausen Jr.

People are stealing street signs and safety markers at an alarming rate, according to the Door County Highway Department.

“We are finding many stop signs removed or stolen, as well as road work ahead signs and other street and traffic signs,” said a release issued by the department Tuesday. “The cost to replace one missing stop sign can cost over $300. Stealing property including street signs is a chargeable offense since the signs are government property.”

Although stealing signs may seem harmless, some possible penalties include:

943.20 theft (class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 9 months in jail, a fine not to exceed $10,000, or both)

943.01 Criminal damage to property (class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 9 months in jail, a fine not to exceed $10,000, or both)

943.34 Receiving stolen property (class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 9 months in jail, a fine not to exceed $10,000, or both)

There could be additional civil and criminal penalties if the theft of a sign results in a significant traffic crash. Stealing stop signs increases the risk of causing significant crashes at controlled intersections especially to those who do not normally travel certain roads. Stealing road work ahead and other construction signs can risk the safety of workers and may increase the risk of vehicle damage to those driving in through work zones.

If you know of a missing stop sign, please call the non-emergency number for the Sheriff’s Department at 920.746.2416 to report it so it can be replaced it as soon as possible.