University Daily Kansan, August 26, 1983
Page 9
Vandalism of signs very costly
By CHRISTY FISHER Staff Reporter
Road signs might make popular room decorations, but taxpayers' wallets are hit each year because of stolen and vandalized road signs.
Tax dollars are not the only casualties.
"People can and have been killed," said Mike Lackey, director of operations for the Kansas Department of Transportation.
In a National Safety Council study, seven states reported 14 deaths that were attributed to stolen or vandalized road signs.
"We've had cases where stop signs have been stolen at 25 to 30 a week in one area." Lackey said. "It's just malicious mischief."
The problem is becoming a primary concern for traffic administrators
nationwide. The August 1983 issue of Better Roads reported estimates that more than $50 million is lost each year to sign-s stealing and vandalism, and another $50 million is lost to indirect costs.
"IT ADTS UP to be a whopping big bill," said Joe Reed, chief of the bureau of traffic engineers for the transportation department. "Not only do we pay for the cost of the sign, but we must also pay indirect costs as well.
"The indirect costs involve paying the laureates, renting the equipment and also the liability payments and court costs if the city or the county gets involved for an accident. If that sign is not there an incident does occur, they get the heat for it."
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be in Kansas, sign thefts and vandalism account for more than 25 percent of the transportation department's $500,000 sign budget. The department must pay
Expenses from stolen signs are also significant at the University of Kansas. Last year, KU police reported that 250 were stolen in the last year. "Vandalized — $470 increase from 1981."
from $2 to $$ a square foot for each sign stolen or damaged.
MOST OF THE signs were stolen in August — about $300 worth. Thefts and vandalism in October were unusually high, with $253 worth of signs stolen. To the surprise of the KU police, no signs were stolen on Halloween.
In April, $165 in signs were stolen. No signs were stolen in in January. Only about $40 in signs were stolen.
Ll. Jeanne Longaker, KU policewoman, could only guess why some months were worse than others.
"In August, it's probably the new students who need a souvenir of the University. In April, I guess it's house of the spring weather," she said.
Authorities said the real problem was not with theft, but with vandalism. Running over, spray painting and shooting signs with guns seems to be a popular sport for some.
"Around the time of the KU/K State game it becomes particularly bad, especially during the football season," he said. "It will seem some of the remaining damage."
WHEN HUNTING SEASONS begin, he said, an increase occurs in the number of damaged signs.
Stop signs are by far the most popular victim at the state, local and University level. Donald Barnheart, foreman for the transportation department of the city estimates that an average of 1.5 signs are shown each day in Douglas County.
Highway signs seem to be another popular target, Lackey said.
Route markers with the names of towns painted on them are the second most frequent damage reported. Mile markers ranked third. And the U.S. G-9
Statewide, the problem is concentrated in the more populous eastern half. Dark, isolated roads are usually the scene of the crime.
"We seldom catch people. If we do, we have the sheriff or the highway patrol arrest them. Sometimes we do get luck. I believe it was a KU student who put a highway flasher sign in his dorm window. Everyone in town could see it. He was an easy one to arrest," Lackey said.
BEFORE 1989, KANSAS had a specific law against highway sign vandalism. Now sign stealing is handled as petty larceny - a misdemeanor.
Jim Denney, chief of KU police, warned, "The signs are not cheap. They cost probably $20-$25 each. If a person is caught, we will prosecute."
Hillel
בין
the Jewish Student Organization invites you to a...
BAGELS & LOX BRUNCH (all you can eat!)
Sunday, August 28 at 12:30 p.m.
Free for Hillel members $3 for non-members (you can join Hillel at the door)
1006 Mass. 749-1660
Open Sun.-Thurs. 8-10
Fri. & Sat. 8-11
Lawrence Jewish Community Center
A BIG baked potato filled with butter, sour cream,
cheddar cheese, bacon bits and green onions . . .
Try our "ZIGGY'S SPUD"
99c Now thru Sun. 8/28
917 Highland D. (dr. near 8th & Iowa)
for more information call 864-3948 or 749-5147
ATTENTION! PRE-MED STUDENTS
A MEETING FOR JUNIORS AMD SENIORS INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO MEDICAL SCHOOL
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30 at
7:00 p.m. in the Alderson Room of the Kansas Union
Important information for pre-med students * Representatives from KU Medical Center will be in attendance
BE SURE TO ATTEND!
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843-1116
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KAO