Police ID Suspects in Theft of 27 Street Signs, Other Traffic Equipment

Salem Police have identified two people in connection with the theft of 27 street signs and 11 other traffic signs.

Arrest warrants were issued for Christopher Mejia, 21, of Methuen, Mass., and Charles Foster, 19, of Salem, for conspiracy to commit theft and receiving stolen property.

Police began investigating after the Department of Public Works reported the thefts around town.

Officer Robert Farrah was able to identify a suspect through another criminal investigation, while Officer Steve McPherson located that person's vehicle on Friday and saw one of the reported street signs on the floor of the backseat in plain view, according to Salem Police.

The investigation led police to a second suspect, and to the recovery of 27 street signs, five traffic control signs, three "Dead End" signs, two "No Outlet" signs, one "Not a Thru Street" sign, three traffic barricades, and 27 traffic cones.

Police also recovered a bag full of nuts and bolts and the actual sign holders that bolt to the top of the pole.

Police said the value of the theft is estimated to be several thousand dollars. Police said they also found several stolen credit cards and a wallet which was reported stolen from the Food Court at the Mall at Rockingham Park.