Street Sign Thefts a Problem

The Marblehead Police Department is reaching out to parents to help put an end to a recent spate of street sign thefts.

Over the last two weeks, the town has experienced a rash of street sign thefts from around the community, especially along the Humphrey Street corridor. Roughly fifteen signs have been torn from their mounts, according to police officials.

Police said that while some may think street sign thefts are funny or harmless, it isn’t.

It is theft of town property and malicious destruction of property and the mere possession of even one street sign is a crime.

Emergency personnel rely on these signs to get to your home quickly during a crisis, according to police.

Officials added that signs were also purchased and installed using town tax dollars.

The town has been working to install new signs on streets that don’t have any already and this rash of thefts is simply putting them even further behind.

Police are asking parents that observe one or more signs in their child’s room to bring it to the police station or better yet, drop the sign off at the DPW office on Tower Way.

Police said the signs can even be dropped off after hours with no questions asked.

Police are also asking all residents to be alert for anyone who appears to be working on or otherwise tampering with a sign. Town vehicles are outfitted with blue MA official license plates and decals indicating it is a town vehicle.

If someone sees anyone near a sign, especially outside of normal DPW working hours (M-F 7-3pm), they are encouraged to call the police station at 781-631-1212.