Darke County Engineer Jim Surber and Darke County Sheriff Mark Whittaker report that numerous road signs have been stolen from roadways across Darke County over the last five days. Many of the stolen signs include stop signs that were taken overnight putting the lives of the motoring public at risk and costing taxpayers a financial loss. The Darke County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the thefts. Theft of a highway or street sign is a felony of the fifth degree, subjecting the convicted offender to 6 months to 1 year in prison and fines up to $2,500.00 for each count. The thefts began Saturday evening July 12, 2025 and have continued through this morning July 16, 2025.
Darke County residents are encouraged to report any suspicious vehicles or subjects that they may observe as soon as possible to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office. You can notify dispatch anytime day or night at 937-548-2020.
Anyone with information on these thefts is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office or Darke County Crime Stoppers. Darke County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these thefts. Calls can be made to Darke County Crime Stoppers at 937-547-1661 or the Darke County Sheriff’s Office 937-548-2020, calls can be anonymous.