Chelan County seeks public's help in locating stolen traffic safety signs

CASHMERE — Chelan County Public Works (CCPW) is seeking the public's help in locating seven stolen traffic safety signs in the Cashmere area. The signs, which warn motorists of loose gravel and advise motorcyclists to use extreme caution, are crucial for maintaining safety during the ongoing chip-sealing work in the region.

In a statement released on June 6, CCPW urged locals to report any suspicious activity, stating, "We are asking the public to contact us if you see anything suspicious. We believe the same person is messing with these steel signs. If you see the signs laying around, we'll come pick them up."

The theft of these signs poses a significant risk to motorists, county workers, and pedestrians, as they serve to alert road users of potentially life-threatening hazards. "We just want it to stop because these signs are used for the public's safety. We take that very seriously," CCPW emphasized in their public statement.

The missing signs were noticed as CCPW began their annual chip-sealing work on Ranch Road and Camas Creek Road, part of a county-wide preservation program aimed at protecting roads and traffic infrastructure from the damaging effects of snow and ice. Additionally, the department is preparing for a month-long closure of the Peshastin Bridge starting this week to replace critical joints and add a new concrete overlay.

Ryan Moody, Chief of Special Operations at Chelan County Sheriff's Office, stated that they "haven't received any further updates on the issue," suggesting that no additional disturbances have been reported in connection with the thefts.

CCPW is urging anyone with information related to the stolen signs to contact the Sheriff's Office at (509) 667-5851 or submit an online report at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/public.../forms/report-a-problem.

Will Nilles: (509) 731-3211 or will@ward.media