Mystery and intrigue still surrounds the identity of the sign bandit who has been altering street signs and renaming them into inappropriate words for months.
Residents in Napier say that the sign bandit may feel like a comedian but say their tampering is not amusing.
So far the sign changing has cost ratepayers more than $5000 in repairs.
A Taradale resident thought it was a joke when someone renamed their street from Cornwall Rd to Pornwall Rd.
Napier City Council said vandalism has been happening in many locations and this seems to be the most recent target.
The council said the spree of tampering started in August last year and since then it had replaced 30 street signs.
The same Taradale resident said they were expecting visitors from overseas when the sign was changed to Pornwall Rd.
“It’s kind of embarrassing telling them to look for a street name like that,” they said.
ArtyAz shop owner Terri Dangen said most people would automatically think it’s teenagers.
“But I don’t think you would get a group of teenagers standing around scoping out suitable signs and traffic flow,” Dangen said.
“I’m leaning towards males 30 years and upwards.
Napier City Council said the issue has been raised with police.
Other changes to street signs included one to Kent Terrace that was deemed not appropriate for publication.
Photo Credit: NZ Herald
