Vandals steal 911 signs
Criminals face misdemeanors and felonies
By Lizz Harold

A call that was made to the county 911 office on Monday at 8:30 a.m. has left residents and disptach officers concerned for public safety.

An unknown caller from Peachtree reported that two 911 signs had been vandalized and 12 stolen from Lunsford Rd. in Peachtree.

The crime was reported to the Sheriff's Department the same day and it was discovered that the guilty person or persons will face misdemeanor charges for the taken signs and fines of up to $150 for each.It is suspected that the theft happened over the weekend.

Emergency responders often use the signs to determine the locale of an emergency. The abscence of one, much less 12, has 911 coordinator Donna Decker determined to find those responsible and replace the signs before it effects county emergency services.

"If they are caught I will prosecute," she said. If a victim can not be reached in time due to the missing signs and dies as a result, the misdemeanors turn into felony charges. The costs of replacements would then become miniscule if a fatality occurs due to the theft.

The high populated area has seen the destruction of the 911 signs in the past. Decker said that one particular area called Hemp Hill Rd. has neighbors willing to change the name of their road in order to stop the sign disspearences.

The investigation has already begun and local 911 dispatchers are working closely with the Sheriff's Department to find those responsible.