Police seek clues in sign thefts

SignTheft-WEB

Village may cover expense, administrator says

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Theft of 29 newly installed uniform address signs last weekend has the Village of Twin Lakes seeking more than suspects, but answers on how to replace them, including costs.

“We are still determining how to proceed,” said Village Administrator Jennifer Frederick.

The thefts reportedly occurred at residences on Indian Point Road and Bayview Road from July 22 through July 23, Police Chief Adam Grosz stated.

“Sometime during the night hours of Friday, or early morning hours of Saturday, 29 of the new address signs were unbolted from the posts and stolen,” he said, adding the bolts were left lying off to the side.

The signs were installed beginning July 1 as part of a new ordinance passed by the Village Board in December, in response to concerns expressed by police, fire and rescue authorities, who reported difficulty finding properties during emergencies.

Uniform address signs, standard in many townships, are blue 16-by-8 inch metal sheets affixed to a galvanized steel post in front of each improved property in the Village of Twin Lakes, estimated at more than 3,000.

As part of the ordinance, residents were charged $31 in late December, with the village footing the cost, if there are any errors or omissions.

However, the ordinance did not include provisions related to thefts, and leaves the village exploring options related to financial costs, but the did not rule out replacing them at village expense.

“Per the ordinance, it is the homeowner’s responsibility/cost, but due to the fact that these were not up long at all, the village may cover the expense,” Frederick said.

On average, about 70 signs are installed daily, and early projections estimate completion in about two months.

As village administration looks into options, Grosz is asking residents for information leading to the arrest of suspects involved.

“Officers are still investigating these thefts,” Grosz said. “If anyone has any information please contact the Twin Lakes Police Department.”


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