The theft of road signs has prompted the following message from Sheriff Hakes in Chippewa:
On Tuesday May 20th 2025, the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a Town Chairman that a sign had been stolen overnight by having the post cut down with a chainsaw. After further conversation it was determined that they have had several signs stolen, as well as other Towns in Chippewa County over the last few months. Theft of a roadway sign is in violation of several Wisconsin State Statutes, most notably:
WI SS 943.20 – Theft, Class A misdemeanor, punishable with a fine and/or jail time.
WI SS 943.01 – Criminal Damage to Property, Class A misdemeanor
Other penalties and civil liabilities can come from the removal of a sign, especially in instances that it contributes to a motor vehicle crash.
Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office investigates all criminal activity reported to us. I felt it was important to share with the community that theft of road signs is not only a crime, but it can also contribute to traffic crashes, including fatalities. We all need to come together to help achieve our goal of ZERO deaths on Wisconsin roadways. Please report missing or stolen signs to your local Towns, or those on County roads, to our Highway Department. Together we can make Chippewa County a safer place.
