THIEVES are putting lives at risk by stealing parts from road-safety signs.
The crooks are targeting electronic signs which light up when a car drives by over the speed limit.
The thieves have stolen solar panels, wind generators and batteries from the signs. In some cases the signs have been left in a dangerous condition n
eeding emergency work to make them safe.
The road signs are in places where there have been several accidents.
Police in West Sussex are now using security tagging to make the parts worthless if thieves try to sell them on.
Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, in charge of highways at West Sussex County Council, said: 'It is almost beyond belief that anyone would steal or damage signs put up for the safety of the whole community.
'We are putting new measures in place to catch the culprits. I would urge people who use the roads where these signs are placed to keep a close eye on them. If they see anybody acting suspiciously they should immediately call the police.
'These are acts of both theft and criminal damage, and the county council will not hesitate to take proceedings against offenders, and seek maximum penalties for acts of selfish, crass stupidity that puts others at risk.'
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