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Preventing sign vandalism?

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ACtrafficengr

ACtrafficengr

Civil/Environmental
Jan 5, 2002
1,641
We have a stop sign in a remote area that has been repeatedly stolen by method of attaching a chain and yanking it out, post and all. The maintenance foreman wants to put box beam guiderail around it, which is obviously innapropriate. I'm looking for out-of the box suggestions on discouraging sign theft.

Has anyone had any success with thorny or noxious plants as theft deterrents? We actually considered planting poison ivy around it, but felt sorry for the poor schmuck that would have to do it. Multiflora rose would work, but planting an invasive species next to a state preserve would not go over well.

"...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928

"I'm searching for the questions, so my answers will make sense." - Stephen Brust

 
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How about mounting a webcam (or two) on top so next time the guy steals it he's caught on camera? You probably wouldn't even have to hook the webcam up, just stick it up there and say "this sign protected by CCTV" or something.

Or a nice electric shock boobytrap if you want to get all McGyver about it. If they're using steel chains, they'll have a nice big circuit to shock themselves on and gloves - which would work against the plants - won't help them if they're leaning against their truck.
 
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There's no power in the area, but I could wire it to a dead traffic counter battery!

"...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928

"I'm searching for the questions, so my answers will make sense." - Stephen Brust

 
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How about an overhead sign suspended by cables between to two utility type poles. They may be a little harder to remove with a pickup truck. If it is a rural area, the residents may not consider an extra telephone pole or two an eyesore.
 
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While I like the webcam and shock idea, a lot!

You could install a breakaway post. Then at least all you would have to do is reinstall the top portion of the post.

Also, while you "shouldn't" do this; you could install an extra heavy post several extra feet into the ground. Just make it look like all the rest then the thief's would get a little more than the barganed for when the tried to take it. Of course you would have to put a normal post back up at some point in the future, hopefully before someone runs into the sign.
 
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We use breakaway Telspar posts. They rip it out, base and all. The crew usually hand-drives the post, since the pneumatic driver tends to upset the end of the base post.

Perhaps I should contact the mfr. or the NCHRP 350 people and ask if an extra long base post would help resist pulling out, without affecting the breakaway performance too much. They guys may have to use the pounder, though.

"...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928

"I'm searching for the questions, so my answers will make sense." - Stephen Brust

 
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Coat the post and the back of the sign with auto grease. It will collect dirt, and look ugly, but it will make a mess for anyone trying to haul it off.

(Is there some reason the residents don't want a stop sign ? )
 
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Roncity - We tried dirty used axle grease, antisieze lubricant. It didn't work. It's a rural intersection in a wooded area - not enought SD for a yield sign. Our best guess is this is what they do for fun when their tired of duelling with banjos.

"...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928

"I'm searching for the questions, so my answers will make sense." - Stephen Brust

 
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OK, how about a device that sprays the vandal with a smelly mixture when hit? It may make their chain smelly and easier to trace..
see
<It says
"This is made for mailboxes ; it's a pair of tubes that attach to the mailbox . Upon impact with a bat, the tube breaks and transfers some of its "skunk oil" onto the bat. The vandal is unaware of this transfer until the bat is brought into the vehicle. .....some of the skunk oil gets wiped onto clothing and car upholstery."
I considered trying this for an isolated mailbox that was repeatly battered , but never got to try it... it may work for a sign ...

Ron
 
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That may have potential...!

The announcer/tattler would have possibilities, but the sign is 4 miles from the nearest maintenance office.

"...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928

"I'm searching for the questions, so my answers will make sense." - Stephen Brust

 
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