Police: six signs stolen from flooded intersections | Crime

MARION, IL (KFVS) - Williamson County Sheriff Bennie Vick and Highway Engineer Greg Smothers are warning residents south of Marion that several "Road Closed" signs have been stolen from intersections with flooded roads.

According to officials, six signs that show one of three messages: "Road Closed," "Road Closed Ahead" or "Water Over Pavement" were mounted on orange and white barricades. The signs and barricades were taken.

Vick said people should not rely on road signs to warn them of dangerous driving conditions.

"Floodwater may cover the roadway quickly, faster than we can put a sign out." Vick said. "People need to slow down and make certain that the roads are clear. With people stealing these signs that are placed to keep people from driving into flooded areas, everyone needs to be a little more careful."

Williamson County Highway Engineer Greg Smothers said the estimated cost to replace the signs and barricades is about $151 for each set; that includes one sign and one barricade.

Stealing a road sign can result in a charge of a Class F felony which includes one to three years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's department at 997-6541 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-414-TIPS. You can also send a message on the Crimestoppers website or text a tip to CRIMES (274637) and include "quicktip_" at the beginning of the text.

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