An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser. Postmedia/File photo
The Ontario Provincial Police are warning drivers about the dangers of tampering with road signs after a stop sign was found knocked into a rural roadway in Norwich Township.
Police say that officers were called to the intersection of Norwich Road and Oxford Road 13 at around 4:45 a.m. on Saturday, where the damaged sign posed a serious safety risk.
A passerby saw the fallen sign and reported it immediately. This prevented possible crashes.
The OPP say it is unclear whether the sign was damaged in a collision or was removed deliberately.
They note that any damage to public or private property, including traffic signs, must be reported right away.
Police say removing a stop sign is not a prank and can result in serious charges if it leads to injury or death.
The OPP thanked members of the public who report damaged or missing signs, saying that acting quickly helps keep the roads safe.
Anyone with information or video from the area is asked to contact Oxford OPP or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
