Cork County Council has described a recent spate of STOP sign thefts as “a very serious road safety issue that puts lives at risk”.
The council has reported the incidents to An Garda Síochána after thieves took STOP signs from multiple locations across the county.
STOP sign thefts
In a statement, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan, said:
“What has happened across these locations is of immense concern. Cutting down or stealing a STOP sign is not a game. It puts all our road users at risk.”
“It can lead to serious crashes if drivers are not aware that they need to stop at a junction.”
“Cork County Council is taking these incidents extremely seriously and have reported the matter to Gardaí.”
“I am urging people to report any suspicious activity and to please think of the possible ramifications of how these actions could impact on innocent victims.”
Section 13(10)(a)(III) of the Roads Act 1993 states:
“A person who, without lawful authority or consent of road authority, does anything that is a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road or the maintenance of the road shall be guilty of an offence.”
Eir copper wire stolen from telephone poles in rural area
Gardaí in Co Monaghan are investigating the theft of Eir copper wire from telephone poles.
According to Gardaí in Carrickmacross, thieves took cables from the area of Lisduff, Ballybay.
In a statement on Sunday, September 19th, 2021, a spokesperson for Cavan Monaghan Garda Division, said:
“Gardaí in Carrickmacross are seeking the public’s assistance with the theft of a quantity of Eir telephone cable.”
“There have been a number of similar incidents in recent weeks. The thieves strip the cable for its copper content but show no regard for the disruption it causes in rural areas to the phone lines.”
“If you noticed any suspicious activity during the hours of darkness, please contact Carrickmacross Gardaí on 042 9690190.”
