Sheriff Says Stolen Signs Endangering Residents in Rural Garvin County

In Garvin County, authorities are trying to put a stop to some rural vandalism. Vandals have been stealing county road signs that help direct first responders to rural addresses.

Thursday, September 16th 2010, 6:55 pm

By: News 9


By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

PAULS VALLEY, Oklahoma -- In Garvin County, authorities are trying to put a stop to some rural vandalism. Vandals have been stealing county road signs that help direct first responders to rural addresses.

The Garvin County 911 system went online September 1. The County spent $30,000 putting up 1,500 county road signs to direct first responders to the right rural addresses. But almost 60 signs have been vandalized.

"They're tearing them down. Some of 'em are being painted over. They're pulling up the polls, and they're throwing them in the ditch or in the creek. They may be taking 'em, selling 'em for aluminum, who knows?" said Garvin County Commissioner Shon Richardson.

The sheriff has increased his patrols in rural Garvin County in hopes of catching the vandals.

"What they don't understand is that whenever they take these street signs, they're actually putting people's lives in danger because these are utilized by emergency services to find those addresses that 911 calls are coming in on," Garvin County Sheriff Steve Brooks.

New signs are on order to replace the damaged ones. The sheriff said it's criminal activity, and the District Attorney is ready to prosecute.

Call the Garvin County Sheriff's Office at (405) 238-7591 if you can help identify the vandals.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

September 16th, 2010

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024