Smashing of Dannevirke road signs frustrates police

One of two road signs written off along Adelaide Rd.

The destruction of road signs along Adelaide Rd over the weekend is just mindless and ridiculous, police say.

Two large signs directing traffic along the road were left smashed and twisted and senior sergeant Nathan Davis of the Dannevirke Police said with an indication of glass, possibly from a car wing mirror alongside the smashed sign, it may indicate it could be the work of a drunk motorist.

"Destroying these signs, or pulling road signs out, is just mindless," he said.

"These signs are there to assist motorists and are there for safety. This sort of thing is just ridiculous."

Mr Davis said if the Adelaide Rd signs were hit by a vehicle, then there is an obligation for those responsible to report the damage within 48 hours.

"There will be people in our community who know who is responsible," he said. "It's the community which solves crimes and I urge people to contribute to the moral fibre of our district and come forward with information."

But, Mr Davis said, police want to hear facts, not innuendo or rumours.

"Dannevirke is a great wee place and there is only a handful of people stupid enough to do this sort of stuff," he said.

"We've also had the mindless pulling out of street signs and if people have got that much energy, they should go to the gym."

Outgoing Tararua District mayor Roly Ellis discovered the damage on Adelaide Rd early Saturday morning when taking his dog for a walk and told the Dannevirke News he was "disgusted" anyone could be so irresponsible.