Sign vandalism in Leon County

Vandalism of highway traffic signs is costing Texas taxpayers $2.5 million annually, according to officials with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). TxDOT officials say, however, the cost is more than a dollar amount. TxDOT is always concerned with vandalism of our state roadway signs. Not just because of the monetary costs, but of the safety hazard it can create.

Locally in Leon County, TxDOT has spent in excess of $5,500 the last six months due to repairing or replacing damaged signs and traffic signal devices that vandals have destroyed by pushing them down with vehicles or shooting them with guns. This is money that could be spent towards repairs of TxDOT roadways.

According to state law, tampering with a warning device, such as a highway con- struction sign, carries a penalty of not less than $25.00 or more than $1,000.00, or up to a two-year jail sentence, or both a fine and jail time. However, much stiffer penalties have been handed down in cases where sign vandalism has resulted in serious injury or death.

Local law enforcement officials have been notified and advised that there will be zero tolerance of this type of vandalism. The public is asked to please report any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency. The Leon County Sheriff's Office can be reached at (903) 536-2749.

Each year, TxDOT replaces more than 50,000 stolen or vandalized signs. This act is sometimes viewed as a harmless prank, but tampering or removing any roadway sign can have tragic and deadly results.