OLDHAM CO., Ky. (WHAS11) -- Police in Oldham County charged 18 juveniles who are accused of stealing dozens of street signs.
Investigators said the thefts were the result of a "challenge" that was posted on Snapchat.
The "challenge" encouraged teens to steal signs and post pictures or video on the social media site.
"They thought it was fun but it's not fun, it's a serious matter," Oldham County Judge-Executive David Voegele said
A tip from Crime Stoppers led police to the suspects. The Oldham County Chief of Police Greg Smith said the thanks those who gave authorities tips.
The chief said the road signs are critical in getting emergency responders to where they are responding.
“Could have presented a very dangerous situation, that’s the point we want to make,” Smith said.
In all, 80 signs were stolen. The stolen signs were found in ditches, fields, and some were found in student's homes.
The Voegele said it cost $3,000 to replace the signs.
The cases for those who were arrested will be handled in juvenile court. The charges they face are theft by unlawful taking and criminal mischief.
Authorities said the signs always went missing early in the morning.
"If you have to sneak around to do anything, you obviously know you shouldn't be doing it," Voegele said.
Thirty-one juveniles from Oldham County were identified as being involved or having knowledge of the crimes.
"Most of these kids are not bad kids but they made a bad mistake and there's consequences to that mistake," Smith said.
Police said they do not anticipate any additional charges in this investigation.
WHAS11’s Shay McAlister is following this, and she'll have more at 4 p.m.
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