LAC LA BICHE - Damage and repair estimates are expected to top more than $15,000 after vandals destroyed up to two dozen area road signs — including the new municipal sign at the hamlet of Venice — during an overnight vandalism spree on Friday.
Lac La Biche County authorities say a swath of stop signs and community markers from Lac La Biche to Venice and Hylo were destroyed by an apparent hit-and-run spree. Officials looking into the damage suspect a larger vehicle purposely drove into ditches and right of ways to knock over signs.
"Complete recklessness," is how Hylo-area municipal councillor George L'Heureux described it.
When contacted by the POST on Saturday afternoon, L'Heureux said he was shocked by the "senseless" crime spree.
The councillor said he would have more to say about the issue once he gets more details and information on the extent of the damages.
Municipal peace officers and local RCMP are expected to be investigating the crime.
Chris Clark, the manager of Lac La Biche County's Protective Services department encourages and residents with information about the crime to contact police.
The Lac La Biche Community Peace Officer office can be reached by phone at 780-623-6767. RCMP can be reached locally at 780-404-2500.