Thieves target interactive traffic signs

Thieves have stolen equipment worth around £10,000 from two interactive traffic signs, installed to warn heavy goods vehicles of a low bridge in Hanwood.

This equipment, including solar panels, battery packs and wind turbines, was taken from Hanwood and Lea Cross between Thursday 20 January and
Tuesday 25 January 2011.

Shropshire Council has reported the theft to the police and is encouraging anyone with information to get in touch.

Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport
and IT, said:

“These signs are vital to warn drivers of the low bridge. Not only has this crime put drivers at risk, it’s also going to cost us £10,000 to replace these, at a time when we are already under significant financial pressure.

“I urge anyone with information to get in touch with the police as soon as possible.”

West Mercia Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000. The police encourage people to phone if they see anybody tampering with signs or machinery, especially during the hours of darkness, and even if they look like they might be official and in work clothing.