Death road signs stolen

Road signs have been stolen from the side of the Kidderminster to Worcester A449 road – the scene of five fatal crashes in the past few weeks.

Police say drivers could have been breaking the speed limit without realising it.

Five aluminium information and direction signs have been taken from their poles outside Ombersley.

Police believe they may have been stolen to add to an illegal collection or for scrap.

The Highways Agency has ordered new signs made from a different material with no worthwhile scrap value. These are expected to be put up within the next four to five weeks.

West Mercia Police spokesman Richard Bull said: "To say whoever took these signs is irresponsible would be a grave under-statement. Their actions are stupid, criminal and verging on the malicious. There is no telling what might have happened, particularly with someone who is not familiar with the road. This could easily have resulted in serious injury or even death for one or more road users.

"At the other end of the scale a number of motorists could have faced prosecution for offences that they did not realise they were committing. While there would have been mitigating circumstances, a considerable number of people and the courts would have by then been put to substantial cost and inconvenience."

He said that if signs were taken for an illegal collection someone who knew the thief, or thieves, was likely to know about the theft.

"We would ask them to come forward to avoid further people being put at risk by the perpetrator continuing with their selfish, and potentially lethal actions," he said.

Signs disappeared between 9am on February 24 and 9am on February 27. The Highways Agency confirmed new signs were ordered and would be up in the next four or five weeks.

Police want anyone who saw anything suspicious to call 08457 444888.