By JOE LoTEMPLIO
PLATTSBURGH — Street signs in the city will be stamped with the city's name in hopes that it will help catch sign thieves.
Several city street signs have been stolen or destroyed, largely in the Center City area, in recent months.
The thefts and destruction usually occurs in neighborhoods where many college-age people live.
The problems typically happen in the early morning hours when many people are returning home after a night of drinking downtown.
Public Works Superintendent Mike Brodi and Police Chief Desmond Racicot came up with the idea of stamping the city's name on all street signs.
The identification could help in cases where stolen signs are recovered.
Mayor Donald Kasprzak said theft and vandalism of street signs has cost the city about $5,000 this year.
"There is an element in this community that is disrespectful of property, and it will not be tolerated," the mayor said.
"Anything we can do to help identify stolen property and solve some of these cases, I support."
Kasprzak said the public is urged to call police if they know the whereabouts of any missing street signs.
E-mail Joe LoTemplio at: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com
