The recurring theft of the suggestively named Daddyhole Lane street sign in Torquay highlights a broader UK trend of stealing unusual road signs, causing financial and safety concerns for local authorities.
Residents of Torquay, Devon, have voiced their frustration over the recurring theft of a street sign for Daddyhole Lane, a situation that has drawn both bemusement and irritation from locals. The sign, known for its suggestive name, has become a target for mischievous thieves, prompting frequent replacements by Torbay Council. Councillor Nick Bye commented during a recent cabinet meeting on the matter, stating, “There are souvenir hunters who seem to be quite fascinated by the title of Daddyhole Road—and the sign keeps disappearing.”
The phenomenon of street sign theft is not limited to Torquay. Similar incidents have been reported in various parts of the UK, particularly involving signs featuring amusing or unusual names. In the Wiltshire hamlet of Tiddleywink, residents were disappointed to discover that two signs had been stolen, a rarity that led the local parish council to order replacements. The chairman of the council expressed the community’s affection for the unique name, highlighting how such thefts can tarnish local charm.
A broader examination of this issue reveals an intriguing pattern across the nation. A BBC News Magazine article notes that signs with memorable titles—such as the iconic Abbey Road sign in London or the quirky Llanddewi-Brefi in Wales—are often the objects of theft. The motivations behind these actions range from simple mischief to a desire for souvenirs that evoke local culture. This trend poses a challenge for local authorities, who must manage the financial burden and logistical issues tied to the replacement of stolen signs.
In addition to the street sign thefts, Torbay has seen an uptick in other local crime. Recently, Torbay Police issued a warning about a series of vehicle break-ins, advising residents to stay vigilant and take precautions to safeguard their belongings. This, along with the ongoing issue of sign theft, underscores broader concerns around community safety and crime in the area.
The impact of these thefts extends beyond mere inconvenience, highlighting the essential role of street signs in ensuring public safety. Mental Floss has compiled a list of commonly stolen signs, including the infamous Shitterton in Dorset and the notorious F*g in Austria, illustrating how the allure of a unique name can lead to significant challenges for local governance. Authorities have responded by increasing efforts to deter such thefts and reminding the public that possessing stolen signs is a criminal offence.
As Torquay continues to grapple with the peculiar yet persistent problem of its street sign disappearing act, it remains to be seen what further measures will be implemented to preserve the community’s identity and protect its humorous yet beloved landmarks.
Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2067648/fury-uk-street-yobs-keep-stealing-road-sign – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-wiltshire-23239341 – In the Wiltshire hamlet of Tiddleywink, two road signs were stolen, leading residents to express disappointment over the loss. The local parish council noted that such thefts were uncommon and that new signs were on order. The chairman remarked on the rarity of such incidents and the community’s fondness for the unique name.
- https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4191739.stm – A BBC News Magazine article explores the phenomenon of street sign thefts in the UK, highlighting instances where signs with unusual or amusing names are targeted by thieves. Examples include the Abbey Road sign in London and the Llanddewi-Brefi sign in Wales. The article discusses the motivations behind these thefts and the challenges they pose to local authorities.
- https://wearesouthdevon.com/police-warning-following-vehicle-break-ins-and-thefts-in-torbay/ – In October 2024, Torbay Police issued a warning to residents about a series of vehicle break-ins and thefts in the area. The police advised residents to remain vigilant and provided safety tips, such as keeping keys away from doors and ensuring windows and doors are locked. They also encouraged reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.
- https://www.torbay.gov.uk/roads/highway-maintenance/winter/secondary-routes/ – Torbay Council provides a list of secondary routes in the area, including St Lukes Road, St Marks Road, and St Marys Road. These routes are part of the council’s winter maintenance programme, ensuring they are treated during adverse weather conditions to maintain safety and accessibility for residents and visitors.
- https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/71279/10-commonly-stolen-street-signs – An article from Mental Floss discusses ten street signs that are frequently stolen due to their unique or humorous names. Examples include Shitterton in Dorset, F*****g in Austria, and Mile Marker 66.6 in New Jersey. The piece explores the reasons behind these thefts and the measures taken to prevent them.
- https://blog.cstx.gov/2015/05/22/poached-traffic-signs-create-safety-cost-issues/ – The City of College Station addresses the issue of stolen traffic signs, highlighting the safety risks and financial costs associated with their theft. The article emphasises the importance of these signs in public safety and warns that possessing stolen traffic signs is a criminal offence, subject to prosecution.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no exact matches found in recent publications. However, similar incidents of street sign theft have been reported in other locations, such as Darien, Connecticut, in 2020 ([darientimes.com](https://www.darientimes.com/news/article/Police-More-than-30-Darien-street-signs-stolen-15559663.php?utm_source=openai)) and in New Milford, Connecticut, in 2011 ([ctinsider.com](https://www.ctinsider.com/local/article/new-milford-offers-amnesty-to-get-stolen-street-2151697.php?utm_source=openai)). These cases suggest that while the specific incident in Torquay may be new, the phenomenon of stealing street signs with amusing names is not unique.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The direct quote from Councillor Nick Bye, “There are souvenir hunters who seem to be quite fascinated by the title of Daddyhole Road—and the sign keeps disappearing,” does not appear in earlier material. This suggests the quote is original to this narrative.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from Express.co.uk, a UK-based news outlet. While it is a known publication, it has faced criticism for sensationalism in the past. Therefore, the reliability of this source is moderate.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The report’s claims are plausible and consistent with known incidents of street sign theft in other locations. The inclusion of a direct quote from a local councillor adds credibility. However, the lack of corroboration from other reputable outlets and the sensationalist nature of the source warrant a cautious approach.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents a plausible account of recurring street sign thefts in Torquay, supported by a direct quote from a local councillor. However, the lack of corroboration from other reputable outlets and the sensationalist nature of the source warrant a cautious approach. Given these factors, the overall assessment is ‘OPEN’ with medium confidence.
