RISON - Cleveland County Judge Don Triplett is asking the public for information about the whereabouts of some road signs that have been stolen across the county.
Triplett estimated he has spent about $2,500 replacing dozens of road signs since coming into office in February. He said many of the signs that have been replaced have since been stolen as well.
Triplett said he has been in contact with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department about the thefts. He asked that anyone with information call the county judge’s office at (870) 325-6214.
The signs that have been stolen, according to Triplett, include road name signs as well as stop signs.
The penalties for stealing road signs in Arkansas fall into two main categories of law: traffic interference law and theft of property and public safety devices.
Traffic Interference Law
Under Arkansas Code § 27-52-101, unlawfully removing, altering, or destroying any official highway traffic-control device or road marker is a misdemeanor. The penalties scale with the number of offenses:
First Conviction: A fine of $10 to $100, or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction: A fine of $25 to $200, or up to 30 days in jail (or both).
Third or Subsequent Conviction: A fine of $100 to $500, or up to 6 months in jail (or both).
Theft of Property and Public Safety Devices
Because road signs are public property, offenders are also charged with theft.
Standard Sign Theft: Generally charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $2,500.
Public Safety Devices: Stealing critical safety signs (like stop signs or railroad crossing devices) is an enhanced offense. It automatically triggers a mandatory fine of at least $5,000 and the charge is elevated to a Class D felony.
Additional Consequences
Beyond criminal time and fines, offenders are responsible for restitution. Those convicted will be forced to pay the full replacement and installation costs, which often ranges from $300 to $400 per sign for labor…