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Infrared RWIS camera catches sign thieves in act

There’s not a lot of traffic at 11:16 p.m. on U.S. 93, about 44 miles north of Salmon. And if someone wanted to snatch a “Welcome to Idaho” sign from the Idaho-Montana state line, just before midnight might be the opportune time.

Or maybe not.

Three thieves removed the welcome sign from two posts under the cloak of darkness on Feb. 21. They stopped near the shoulder of the highway, removed four bolts and put their prize in the back of a pickup truck. They might as well have been in the electronics aisle at a department store.

Thieves weren’t aware they were operating in full view of an RWIS (Road, Weather Information System) camera that has infrared capabilities. The camera recorded the thieves in the act. Note the bare posts at the right.

A number of cameras on the ITD 511.idaho.gov and RWIS sites have infrared capabilities, which could aid in arrests and the recovery of state property. Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact ITD’s District 6 office, (208) 745-7781.