By LESLIE COLLINS
Northeast News
June 19, 2013

The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) is continuing to investigate the thefts of 11 pedestrian signal poles, bases and heads at Interstate 70 and The Paseo and is requesting the public’s assistance.

A Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) field worker discovered the thefts on May 14, which cost MoDOT $30,000.

“They’re likely aluminum thieves,” MoDOT Assistant District Engineer Chris Redline told Northeast News. “They’ll be selling the material for scrap for pennies on the dollar for what it’s going to cost the taxpayer to replace them. That’s the sad part.”

MoDOT, KCPD and the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers are asking the public to contact the TIPS Hotline 816-474-TIPS (8477) with any information regarding the thefts. Individuals may also provide information on the Crime Stoppers website, www.KCcrimestoppers.com, or by texting TIPS452 with the information to 274637 (CRIMES). All information is anonymous.

If the information leads to an arrest, the tipster could be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.

• Redline advises that only MoDOT employees or authorized contractors are allowed to access the signals

• If you notice suspicious activity, call 9-1-1.