Apparently such equipment has become a popular target for thieves because of the valuable solar panels, wind generators and batteries it contains.  This is not only a case of theft and criminal damage, it also threatens road safety and means that the good work the sign has done in traffic calming could be undone while a replacement is arranged.

Sign components are now being security marked to reduce their appeal to felons and the police are stepping up their countermeasures.  In the meantime members of the pubklic are being asked to report suspicious activity or interference with signs to the police by dialling 999.

For a reminder of what it looked like, click here .