Sign vandalism threat to public safety
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Police Department is currently investigating a rash of vandalism involving stop signs within the city.
“Vandalism has been done to 11 stop signs from Barton Street near Presque Isle High School south to Cedar Street. Also, there were signs from Dudley Street near the high school south to Cedar Street,” said Officer Lynn Hartley, PIPD, who’s investigating.
In each case, Hartley said spray paint was used to write various comments on the signs.
“The signs were tagged with statements like ‘stop Hitler’ or ‘stop Obama’ and other comments — nothing deemed inflammatory at this point,” said Hartley.
Hartley said damage is similar to a previous case where signs around the community were spray painted and had to be repaired or replaced.
“We caught the last ones and they’ve done their part (to pay for their crime),” she said.
The damage has raised concern over public safety.
“Covering the reflective signs is dangerous and could lead to accidents if drivers can’t see the signs. Repair and/or replacement can also be quite costly. The 11 signs will cost about $660 to replace or fix. It’s getting expensive,” said Hartley.
The PIPD would appreciate any and all information concerning this latest act of vandalism. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PIPD at 764-2532.
