Authorities in Collin and Grayson counties are warning drivers about an uptick in vandalism.
The area, part of the U.S. 75 corridor, is undergoing miles of road construction.
Alongside the highway, contractors have placed temporary flashing signs, alerting drivers to different road conditions, like a flashing arrow indicating a lane closure, text showing a decrease in the speed limit or even exit closures.
Over the past several months, however, police say thieves have been targeting the signs for their batteries.
“It is a little disconcerting that this may be a trend of these things happening up and down the 75 corridor,” said Sgt. D.M. Hampton of the Sherman Police Department.
Sgt. Hampton says two contractors were robbed over the past weekend alone, adding the thefts typically take place overnight or on weekends when the jobsite isn’t heavily monitored.
“It’s been an ongoing battle,” said Benny Baldwin, the superintendent of a paving project south of Sherman. “There are other contractors doing work in Sherman, doing work in McKinney, and they’ve all been hit. We’re up over $12,000 in damages just in seven months.”
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Baldwin says the thieves appear to be using power tools to saw around locks.
The batteries, much like a golf cart battery, are only valued at a maximum of $150 each, but are being stolen in large quantities.
Police do not know if the batteries are being resold, or if, perhaps, they’re being melted down for their elements.
TxDOT spokesperson Michelle Releford confirms the agency’s subcontractors have been having issues with the same theft along the 75 corridor, telling NBC5 one subcontractor in Northern Collin County reported a $15,000 loss.
Releford says TxDOT is especially concerned about driver safety, since the disabled signs would otherwise alert people to traffic pattern changes.
