Township Warns Public Against Stealing Street Signs 

Reward offered for information leading to charges 

A rash of missing street signs has prompted the Township of Uxbridge to issue a warning, “Stealing a street sign is a felony, and you will be charged”. Over the past few months, nearly 40 street name signs have gone missing in the Township of Uxbridge. The estimated cost to the Municipality to replace these signs is approximately $15,000 and the amount is increasing daily.  

An increase of sign thefts may be attributed to a social media challenge to steal signs, as an increase in street sign thefts has also been reported in other communities.  “This is a very disturbing trend”, states Mayor Dave Barton. “Not only is this costing our Municipality a lot of money, it is also taking valuable time away from our staff who have other important things to do. I am concerned that someone unfamiliar with our community who needs emergency services may not know how to pinpoint their location if they can’t see a street sign. We are taking this problem very seriously.” 

The Municipality is investigating the theft of signs and is asking for the public’s help by requesting video footage or information related to the missing signs. The Township is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to police charges.  Anyone who finds a sign can return it to Town Hall and no questions will be asked. However, anyone caught stealing a sign will be reported to the police. Those who steal street signs may be found criminally liable for any injury or death resulting from the removal of a sign.