The theft of a solar powered flashing beacon indicating an upcoming stop sign was reported stolen Wednesday (June 5) from a traffic fixture on Yucca Trail near Warren Vista.
The Sheriff’s Department reports that the light and solar battery were taken from the north side of the Yucca Trail some time between Monday (June 3) and Wednesday (June 5).
The Sheriff’s Department contacted the Town of Yucca Valley, who owns the piece of equipment. Town Manager Curtis Yakimow told Z107.7 that while the theft of traffic equipment, like cones, signs, and barricades is common, this is the first time a thief has scaled a twelve-foot sign to steal a flashing solar light.
Town staff was able to replace the sign early Thursday morning (June 6) less than 24 hours after it was reported stolen. Yakimow said that they happened to have an extra of the stolen piece sitting on the shelf for “just such an occasion.” The cost of the piece was $1540.94, and the labor to remove the remnants of the stolen piece and install the new one was $291.54.
Yakimow said “It is the taxpayer’s loss and those funds are better spent on infrastructure and quality of life for our residents.”
Anyone with information on this theft or other theft or vandalism of public property should contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Department at 760-956-5001.
