STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Sheriff’s Office is getting into the spirit of the Holiday Season by hosting a highway sign amnesty event.
Today, and through the end of the month, if you happen to “possess” a stolen Meade County Highway sign, you can turn it into the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, no questions asked.
Sheriff Pat West says they’re trying to be a little light-hearted about a serious issue in the county – and that’s the thefts of street signs.
He says stealing street signs is theft and dangerous.
There are a number of folks out there depending on those signs. Whether it’s a street name sign, or a speed limit sign, they serve a distinct public safety message and purpose. There’s a reason for a Stop Sign at an intersection… Without that message, accidents can happen.
The Meade County Highway Department estimates they spend $40,000 on replacing highway signs each year. This is taxpayer money that could be spent elsewhere, in a much more constructive manner. Most of these costs are for signs that have been stolen, shot, or run over.  This does not include the labor costs associated with the replacement.
The Sheriff’s Office says you can turn our signs in at the Meade County Sheriff’s Office during normal business hours, or even leave them at the front door after hours.
