BALTIMORE- Street sign theft has become a problem in Baltimore, MD over the years. Currently in Chase, MD the neighborhood of Graces Quarters is facing this problem. From kids to teenagers and what is starting out to be a prank leads to drastic consequences. This is a problem amongst neighborhoods and areas in Baltimore and other areas in the nation. This has lead to problems in costs, punishment, and society. Starting out as a game of fun has turned into a costly problem for our society.
Graces Quarters is one of many in Chase, MD that has had signs stolen and even vandalized. Many stop signs are being stolen amongst the street name signs. For instance Freedom Ct. These signs are quickly being replaced but what truly goes into this process of replacing these signs is the hardest part of all.
From November 2007 to November 2008 1,730 signs were stolen in the state of Missouri. The costs in replacing these road signs cost around $35,000. The most popular signs being stolen today are road signs resembling famous beer brands such as Rolling Rock Drive and Corona Rd (Van Zandt and Schatt). Many teens and college students who participate in this activity as a drunken tradition hang the signs on their dorm room walls as a display of victory. These young adults using wrenches and many other tools or using their bare hands and body weight to rip the signs off, fear no consequences. Like many teens, videos are being displayed on MySpace and Youtube of these ventures. Many authorities have found kids are ripping poles out of the ground in order to get to these signs. Not only is cost a problem but safety is as well. Many of our departments of safety, such as police, fire department, and ambulances, are having a difficult time reaching their emergency due to lack of street signs to guide them. Letcher County Judge-Executive Carroll Smith stated, “Fire Department’s, Police departments, and ambulance drivers depend on those road signs to get to emergencies quickly” (Moeurs pg C14). This is becoming a financial problem for city’s and manufacturing companies. A sign panel cost can vary from $115-$150,000. Signpost costs vary from $125-160,00, and foundations can cost between $150-$7,000.
Graces Quarters neighbor, Shauna Ganzzermiller, stated, “I feel that street sign theft has become a problem. It can really mess up people trying to find their way around, especially for emergencies. I have seen a handful of signs that have been stolen or vandalized around here, making our neighborhood look bad. I personally know people who have stolen street signs. They have even gone has far as taking the whole pole.” When asked if she had ever stolen a street sign, Shauna became very defensive and proud, “I have never stolen a street sign and never will.” When discussing possible resolutions, Shauna was very aware of what our city wants to do. “Not only do we need to be on the look out, we need to make sure our equipment is reliable and even build and post signs on higher poles.” Shauna is not the only one feeling like this; Saint Mary’s County, MD has run into the same problem. In 1998 5,000 signs were stolen total. “In 1999 identification stickers and dating stickers were placed on road signs”(Department of public works and Transportation)
Today, many cities have switched their road signs to aluminum signs, costing up to $130 per sign. Many officials want signs posted on higher poles and security cameras are even placed on these poles to help catch the suspects. Prosecution and consequences are serious and those considering this act should think again.
Here is a video of one of the many examples of how teens are getting away with these crimes.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=3066911
By: Myspace.com/sgtsnowball
