Silver Street and Adams Circle get stolen the most often, while the others simply get beat up or have school logos spray painted on them. Still others exhibit the creations of local artists who can change a 30 to an 80 with a few curves of paint.

These are the signs produced by the City of Natchez’s Traffic Maintenance Department. Rick Freeman, the department’s director said graduation and holidays were the most active times for sign stealing and vandalism.

&uot;We have some artists in the area. Some do a good job with spray paint,&uot; he said.

And while the creations of local artists are easily cleaned off many signs, Freeman has a suggestion for those wishing to steal signs for decoration.

&uot;If they’re having a party, we’re happy to loan out our signs for decoration just to keep them from stealing them. All they have to do is call and ask.&uot;

To borrow signs or to report a damaged or stolen sign, call Freeman at 445-6657.

The Viewfinder is a weekly feature, produced by our photography staff, that reflects the diversity of our community