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County discusses sign theft and new tamper‑proof bolts after recent recoveries
Summary
Staff reported repeated theft of road signs in some areas, described arrest of a suspect previously caught with a stop sign, and said the department is installing tamper‑resistant bolts and stamping signs to deter theft.
Coffee County staff and board members raised continuing thefts of traffic signs and described steps taken to reduce losses.
A staff speaker recounted that a series of stop signs placed along Route 127 toward the mountain were stolen shortly after installation; a subsequent arrest produced a car with a stop sign in it. “They busted somebody with a car full of them out there,” the speaker said. Staff reported that sign theft appears to have declined after increased patrols and cooperation with law enforcement.
To reduce theft, staff said the department is using new tamper‑proof nuts and bolts with a slick top designed to break off when removed, and that they have been ‘‘tattooing’’ (marking) signs for identification. “We got some, new boats and nuts that might be helping a little. Tamper proof boats and tamper proof. The ones that snap off when you get them so tight,” a staff member said.
No formal enforcement action was taken by the meeting body; staff said they are coordinating with local law enforcement and continuing to install tamper‑resistant hardware and to refuse purchases at some scrapyards.
