Thieves swipe playground signs

Miniature road signs at a kids bike park have gone missing, and ratepayers will foot the $2k bill.

Nine signs at the Oliver Park bike riding track have been stolen, council staff say.

And at $257 a pop, it’s an “expensive habit” for decorating rooms.

Council’s Parks and Open Spaces officer Robert Hutchinson fears the crime may have been premeditated.

“Tools would have been needed to remove the clamps on the poles and then remove the clamps from the signs. Whoever is responsible left the clamps in a nice pile behind,” he says.

Designed for children’s learning, the signs were removed recently leaving local users frustrated.

Signs have been stolen before but not in this quantity, Robert says.

This time seven ‘Give Way’ and two ‘Stop’ signs have been taken.

“At $247 to replace each one, plus installation costs, this is someone’s expensive habit that local ratepayers should not have to fund. It’s a shame for the local children who regularly use the riding track,” says Robert.

“As they are smaller than a normal road sign, the signs may be decorating someone’s bedroom or garage.”

If anyone has any information about the signs please contact the Council on 03 520 7400. The matter has been reported to the Blenheim Police.