Dumb Criminals Are Now Stealing This Unusual Item in Montana

Authorities are on high alert following a bizarre crime wave in southwest Montana. Law enforcement is asking for the public's help identifying the people involved.

Montana is a vast state and road signs along highways and interstates are common. Some road signs in Montana are in pretty rough shape and are barely visible due to the fact that they're filled with bullet holes. Regardless of the shape they're in, it's never a good idea to steal them.

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According to the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, 49 road signs were recently stolen across the county. Several of the signs were stolen near Gooch Hill Road and Rocky Road between Bozeman and Four Corners. With help from the public, authorities were able to recover 46 of the 49 signs, and arrested an 18-year-old Bozeman resident responsible for the thefts.

HIGHWAY ROBBERY: ROAD SIGNS STOLEN IN MONTANA

Unfortunately, the road sign thefts didn't stop following the arrest, and the GCSO is currently investigating a new incident that occured on February 25. An electronic elk crossing sign was stolen near South Cottonwood Road and Law Road, and images of the suspect captured on a game camera in the area have been released to the public, hoping that someone will be able to identify the person responsible.

A simple sign costs $200 in time and materials a piece to replace with more complex signs costing up to $3,000 if they are stolen or destroyed. And while it may seem like a harmless prank, you should know the charges for these road sign thefts range from Misdemeanor Theft to Felony Theft, and could escalate to Criminal Endangerment; turning a prank into an introduction into the criminal court system.

said the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office in a press release.

If you have any information or can identify the suspect below, please contact the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 406-582-2100.