Carmel officials outline plan to thwart street sign thieves
Chief Hoffmann says the department will be utilizing existing cameras to catch any future sign thieves.
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Around 300 street signs that have gone missing in Carmel over the past three to four years. On Tuesday, Highway Superintendent Mike Stern and Police Chief Anthony Hoffmann address the issue with News 12.
Stern says the stolen street signs has cost the town and its taxpayers between $90,000 to $100,000.
"We found that its mostly kids. It's high school-aged kids that are doing it as a prank," said Hoffmann.
He says street signs are just as important as traffic signs, especially during an emergency.
"We do have a large volunteer presence in our community with fire and EMS services, and a lot of time they tend to trend younger in age and they might not be as familiar with the area, so we want to prevent that," he said.
Those in the community say they don't find the prank funny either.
"...Very dangerous…Especially for firemen, new firemen, new policemen that are not used to the town yet," said Fred Carlson who has lived in Camel for more than 52 years.
"It's not fair and it's not funny to take a street sign. It's just a shock," said Ian McGrath who lives in Mahopac.
Chief Hoffmann says the department will be utilizing existing cameras to catch any future sign thieves.
Anyone in possession of a stolen street sign, can return it to Carmel's Highway Department at 55 McAlpin Ave. in Mahopac with no questions asked.
Anyone that witnesses suspicious activity is urged to contact the Carmel Police Department.
