Sheriff investigates stop sign thefts creating dangerous intersections

METTER, Ga. (WTOC) - The Candler County Sheriff’s Office said multiple stop signs have been stolen in the Highway 121 North area over the past few weeks, creating dangerous intersections.

Candler County Public Works reported the thefts on Hendricks Road, Lanier Road, and nearby roads. Officials say that in several cases, the posts were cut with a saw rather than pulled from the ground.

The sheriff’s office said these stop sign thefts create dangerous situations where drivers don’t expect missing signs, intersections become unpredictable, and someone can get seriously injured or killed.

“Let’s not dance around this. This isn’t funny, clever, or harmless,” the sheriff’s office said. “These signs exist to prevent crashes.”

The sheriff’s office said stealing a stop sign is a felony for theft of government property and puts the public at risk. Officials said they will investigate the thefts, identify who is responsible, and prosecute those involved.

Anyone with information on the thefts can call investigators or submit a tip at https://candlersheriff.com/Crime-Tips.