Kerryann Jacobs, left, and Whyalla City Council Project Manager Landscape Sam Bourne need your help to locate the stolen ‘lizard crossing’ signs.
Callous Thieves Leave Girl Heartbroken
11 November 2022
Callous thieves have left a young girl heartbroken and placed local wildlife at risk by stealing a ‘lizard crossing’ sign not once, but twice in less than a month.
Concerned Whyalla resident, 11-year-old Kerryann Jacobs, wrote to Whyalla City Council about the number of dead lizards she was regularly seeing on Mullaquana Road, ultimately leading to a warning sign being installed.
The sign has now been installed twice, this time being stolen with 24 hours of installation, with the brazen thieves taking the entire pole and cement foundation in the first instance.
Kerryann said it made her sad knowing the vulnerable wildlife were once again at risk.
“I just want to see them protected and help them get across the road safely. It’s really sad to know more are likely to be killed because people won’t know they are there,” Kerryann said.
Kerryann’s mother – Annette Jacobs – said it was disheartening news for her daughter.
“She’s trying to do the right thing, so knowing someone in the community is deliberately taking the signs for their own private use is very upsetting and troubling for her,” Ms Jacobs said.
Council's Project Manager Landscape Sam Bourne urged the community to come forward with any information.
“As well as putting the wildlife at increased risk, this is costing ratepayers’ money and wasting valuable time and resources,” Mr Bourne said.
“We had an overwhelming response to our first social media post – it reached more than 7000 people and had over 1000 likes, reactions, comments and shares – so we’re hoping we can get people just as engaged in helping find these heartless thieves.”
Mr Bourne said anyone with any information regarding the crimes can either call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 – where you can remain completely anonymous – or local police on 8648 8020.
Kerryann Jacobs with the second sign shortly before it was stolen.